HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010/09/13 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Study SessionAGENDA
SEPTEMBER 13, 2010
6:30 p.m. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION – Council Chambers
Discussion Items
1. 6:30 p.m. Future Study Session Agenda Planning – September 20 and September 27, 2010
2. 6:35 p.m. Environmental Activities Update 2008 – 2010
3. 7:35 p.m. GreenStep Cities Update and Carbon Footprint Measurement
4. 7:50 p.m. Storage – Fire Station No. 1
5. 8:20 p.m. Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments
6. 8:50 p.m. Discussion on 2011 Budget, Capital Improvement Plan, Long Range Financial
Management Plan, Utility Rates, Franchise Fees, and Final Levies
7. 9:05 p.m. Communications/Meeting Check-in (Verbal)
9:10 p.m. Adjourn
Written Reports
8. Proposed Rental Licensing Ordinance Changes
9. Eliot School Draft Design Guidelines
10. Liquor License Application - El GordoUno, Inc. Historical Information
Auxiliary aids for individuals with disabilities are available upon request.
To make arrangements, please call the Administration Department at
952/924-2525 (TDD 952/924-2518) at least 96 hours in advance of
Meeting Date: September 13, 2010
Agenda Item #: 1
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Future Study Session Agenda Planning – September 20 and September 27, 2010
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Council and the City Manager to set the agenda for a special study session on September 20 and the
regularly scheduled Study Session on September 27, 2010
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Does the Council agree with the agendas as proposed?
BACKGROUND:
At each study session, approximately five minutes are set aside to discuss the next study session
agenda. For this purpose, attached please find the tentative agenda and proposed discussion items
for a special study session on September 20 and the regularly scheduled study session on September
27, 2010.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
None.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
None.
Attachment: Future Study Session Agenda Planning for September 20 and September 27,
2010
Prepared by: Debbie Fischer, Office Assistant
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 1) Page 2
Subject: Future Study Session
Special Study Session, Monday, September 20 6:30 PM
Tentative Discussion Items
1. Updated Design Concepts Hwy 7 & Louisiana Ave Interchange – Public Works (30 minutes)
Based on recent work completed, Public Works staff will present new design concepts for
this project.
2. Bidding and Construction/Project Management – Public Works (15 minutes)
The City Council has requested a future study session discussion on this topic. Staff wishes
to discuss the specifics of what the Council wishes to be covered and presented as a part of a
future discussion.
Monday, September 27, 2010
5:30 p.m. - Council Tour of MSC
6:00 p.m. - BBQ for Council & Joint Planning Commission
Study Session, Monday, September 27, 2010 – 6:30 p.m.
Tentative Discussion Items
1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning – Administrative Services (5 minutes)
2. Joint Meeting w/ Planning Commission – Community Development (90 minutes)
Discuss issues of community significance and interest to include a presentation of the
Commercial Corridor Market Analysis, the proposed Business Park zoning district and the
recent Supreme Court Ruling on Variances.
3. Minnehaha Creek Watershed Presentation – Administrative Services (60 minutes)
Representatives of the Watershed District will be in attendance to discuss matters of mutual
interest regarding Minnehaha Creek.
4. 7015 Walker Street Purchase Agreement – Community Development (30 minutes)
Discuss details of the proposed purchase agreement.
5. Communications/Meeting Check-In – Administrative Services (5 minutes)
Time for communications between staff and Council will be set aside on every study session
agenda for the purposes of information sharing.
End of Meeting: 9:40 p.m.
Meeting Date: September 13, 2010
Agenda Item #2
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Environmental Activities Update 2008 – 2010.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
No formal action required. Staff who serve on the City’s “E-Group” will present an overview of the
City’s environmental related activities over the last several years.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
• Does the Council need any additional information?
• Is there any other action the Council wishes staff to take regarding this item?
BACKGROUND:
Environmental related information has been prepared and will be presented at the Study Session
based on the direction from Council at the May 10 Study Session. At that Study Session a discussion
took place on the City’s role with environmental stewardship. As stated in the meeting minutes, at
the end of the discussion “it was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to inventory and
report back on what groups are currently doing from an environmental standpoint, obtain a status
from the E-Group, and review and report on previous meeting minutes and past actions by the
Council, staff or others in the community”.
This report provides a summary and background information on environmental activities based on
Council’s request. It also relates to the City Council’s adopted Strategic Direction:
“St Louis Park is committed to being a leader in environmental stewardship. We will
increase environmental consciousness and responsibility in all areas of City business.”
Also, included with this report is a set of data titled “Environmental Activities Update 2008 –
2010”.
Who handles environmental work at the staff level?
Environment-related activities occur in all departments. With the growth of activities, initiatives,
regulations and programs, this area is larger than one department and is spread through many
divisions. Environmental work is incorporated into everything we do. The information in this
report will show many of the areas covered when dealing with the environment. As you move
through this report you may want to refer to a grid labeled “Staffing Designations – Environmental
Leads” (in the middle of this report) to help understand staffing structure and coordination on
environmental responsibilities.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Page 2
Subject: Environmental Activities Update 2008-2010
How do we communicate about environment?
Our best method of communicating the large amount of information, activities and resources to our
residents is through our website http://www.stlouispark.org/environment.html. This website is
continually updated to provide links to ever changing information. If you look at the site, you will
see links to the following information:
Environment
Be a steward
Beautify the Park
Businesses
Education
Gardening
Home owners
Programs
Recycling
Storm water
Wild life
Volunteering
What has been done on Vision/Strategic Directions and the Environment?
Since the adoption of the Strategic Directions in 2007, staff has been working on activities and
aligning what we do with the direction set by Council. Work in the environmental area has been
going on for years. With the adoption of the Strategic Direction related to the environment, a more
focused and coordinated effort was developed to link staff who work in areas related to the
environment to provide efficiency in service delivery and implementation of programs.
In 2007, Council adopted four specific Strategic Directions with one having an emphasis on
environmental stewardship as follows:
“St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in environmental stewardship. We will increase
environmental consciousness and responsibility in all areas of City business.”
Focus will be on:
• Expanding energy efficiencies in the City’s operations.
• Educating staff and the public on environmental consciousness, stewardship and best
practices.
• Working in areas such as the rehab loan program, development projects, permits, etc.,
encourage (and provide incentives where appropriate) green building design (LEED),
creation of open spaces, environmental innovations, etc.
• Preserving, enhancing and providing good stewardship of our parks.
• Investigating the need and purpose for an energy/environmental commission.
In the 18 months following the adoption of the Strategic Directions, staff created teams to work on
the strategies adopted by the City Council. Teams worked on each Strategic Direction and Focus
Area and reported to Council several times on the environmental activities. Council discussed each
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Page 3
Subject: Environmental Activities Update 2008-2010
Focus Area as presented, had discussions and took action or provided direction on each
environmental Focus Area as follows:
February 25, 2008: “Investigating the need and purpose for an energy/environmental commission.”
The consensus of the majority of the Council was that there was not a need at this time for a new
stand alone commission. Council also discussed creating task forces for specific needs when
necessary. The complete 2/25/08 report can be found in the attached Environmental Activities
Update 2008 - 10.
May 12, 2008: “Expanding energy efficiencies in the City’s operations.” Council agreed that an
energy audit would be beneficial. A consultant was retained for the purpose of conducting a
comprehensive energy audit and improvement plan for City operations, to establish a Council policy
to incorporate LEED principles and methods into the design and construction of all new/remodeled
City buildings, and to establish a Council policy for the City to consider selecting energy efficient
and environmentally safe options during daily operations. The complete 5/12/08 report can be
found in the Environmental Activities Update attachment.
September 2, 2008: “Preserving, enhancing and providing good stewardship of our parks.” The
consensus of the Council was to have PRAC (Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission) review
the list of priorities and report back to Council. The complete 9/2/08 report can be found in the
Environmental Activities Update attachment. PRAC reviewed and discussed the list of priorities
from the report on September 17 and December 3, 2008. This information was provided to
Council on March 2, 2009 as part of the minutes from the PRAC meeting.
September 22, 2008: “Educating staff and the public on environmental consciousness, stewardship
and best practices”. The consensus of Council was to move forward with the plan presented and
discussed at the study session. The complete 9/22/08 report can be found in the Environmental
Activities Update attachment. Website was updated and Communications has been working with
Westwood Hills on an information and marketing plan.
September 22, 2008: “Working in areas such as the rehab loan program, development projects,
permits etc., encourage (and provide incentives where appropriate) green building design (LEED),
creation of open spaces, environmental innovation, etc.” It was the consensus of the Council to
move forward with the recommendations as discussed. The complete 9/22/08 report can be found
in the Environmental Activities Update attached.
2009 Council Workshop (January 30-31): Council reconfirms their ongoing commitment to
Vision and the four strategic directions. As part of the Council workshop, discussions were held on
the strategic directions, Decision Resources survey, group norms and expectations, long range
financial management plan, City services data, potential process for resource allocation and
documenting the Vision journey. All areas of Vision and Vision activities were reviewed with
Council. This update included activities in the environmental area and the E-Group structure.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Page 4
Subject: Environmental Activities Update 2008-2010
One of the outcomes of the workshop was that Council reconfirmed their ongoing commitment to
Vision and the four Strategic Directions:
• St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged community.
• St Louis Park is committed to being a leader in environmental stewardship. We will
increase environmental consciousness and responsibility in all areas of City business.
• St. Louis Park is committed to providing a well-maintained and diverse housing stock.
• St. Louis Park is committed to promoting and integrating arts, culture, and community
aesthetics in all City initiatives, including implementation where appropriate.
Council also agreed that we use the lens of Vision to guide our work and how we deliver services.
When did Staff review the City’s environmental service delivery model?
Upon adoption of the Strategic Directions staff conducted a study to help determine what
specifically would be required to “take the City to the next level” as it pertains to St. Louis Park
becoming a city distinguished as a leader in environmental stewardship. Within that framework, the
findings were as follows:
• Environmental work is done by most departments.
From this study, it was determined that work on the environment is done by nearly all
departments. We do not have one central staff person for environment because of the
large scope. The variety of environmental duties are incorporated into our every day
business.
• Staffing coordination strengthened.
The internal structure was reviewed and strengthened for increased coordination,
communication and continued growth in environmental activities. The E-Group was
formed.
• Environmental communication enhanced.
It was found that the City is involved in an extensive amount of environmental
education, initiatives, activities and events. It was determined that the website needed to
be improved to get the message out to residents and others on environmental work and
information. The website was expanded several years ago and has a large volume of
information that is updated on a regular basis by staff from a number of departments.
Did staff look at the City’s organizational structure, communications and staff coordination
relating to the environment?
To be sure staff was communicating with each other and efficient in our work in the environmental
area, review was done of who exactly was handling what task. Upon review, the grid titled “Staffing
Designations” was developed to help show how our internal structure works when handling
environmental activities.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Page 5
Subject: Environmental Activities Update 2008-2010
Staffing Designations – Environmental Leads
COMPLIANCE & ENERGY
MANAGEMENT
Building Inspectors
Erosion Control (Compliance)
Facilities Superintendent
City Buildings/Facilities, Energy Management
Environmental Health Specialist
Code Compliance
Environmental Health
Pollution (odors, light, noise)
Property Maintenance
Radon
Remediation/Pollution (Health Related)
Equipment Superintendent
Equipment & Fleet
WATER, WASTE & INFRASTRUCTURE
City Engineer
Storm Water – Overall Management and Oversight Planning and
Flood
Engineering Program Coordinator
Erosion Control (permits)
Flood Proofing Program – Grant Program
Storm Water (Plans, Permits)
Public Works Coordinator
Clean Up Days
Solid Waste & Recycling
Utilities Superintendent
Drinking Water
Groundwater Remediation
Non Point Source Mgmt. Program Plan - NPDES
Sanitary Sewer, Storm Sewer
Wellhead Protection
EDUCATION & NATURAL RESOURCES
MANAGEMENT
Environmental Coordinator
Arbor Day
Assist with policies and implementation
Community Aesthetics – Beautify the Park
Evergreen Award
Fish
Forestry, Landscaping and Vegetation
Evergreen Award
Pesticides and Fertilizer (Phosphorus)
Protected Waters
Trees
Wildlife Management
Wetlands
Westwood Nature Center Manager
Education (Content, Events, Programs, Speakers)
Websites and Marketing
Westwood Nature Center
PLANNING & INCENTIVES
Economic Development Coordinator
Pollution/Remediation – Technical Assistance through LEED, TIF,
Redevelopment Policy
Housing Programs Coordinator
Green Buildings and Technical Assistance – Res.
Housing Improvement Programs (HIA, Loan Programs, CDBG,
Green Pilot Remodeling Program)
Planner
Green Buildings and Technical Assistance – Comm.
Shoreland Development
Planning/Zoning Supervisor
Conservation Easements
Development Controls
Floodplain - Zoning
Env. Assessment Worksheet (EAW), Env. Impact Statement (EIS),
Alternative Urban Area Review (AUAR), etc.
Environmental Plan Review & Coordination
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS & SPILLS
Fire Marshal
Underground Storage Tanks
Hazardous Spills and Reporting
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Page 6
Subject: Environmental Activities Update 2008-2010
What is the E-Group and why was it created (internal coordination of staff)?
Staff from each department gathered in 2007 – 2008 to talk about how to strengthen work as well as
coordinate and communicate about the activities we do in connection with the environment. Since
most, if not all, departments are involved with work activities that deal with environmental issues, it
was determined that rather than creating a separate division in the organization, all departments and
divisions would continue to work together on environmental issues.
After many discussions, it was determined that staff from each department would be assigned to
work together formally as part of the “E-Group”. Due to the large scope of activities in the
environmental area, it was found that staff would be able to have a better handle on activities and
provide a broader service level and provide more education with our residents and businesses if we
made sure that all areas (departments and divisions) of our operations connected and aligned what
we do with the environment. Information on the review of the environmental services and creation
of the E-Group was discussed in detail with Council at the workshop in January, 2009.
The E-Group is very active and meets on a regular basis. They work with each other to share
information and plan activities. Each E-Group member is responsible for reporting back to their
department on activities, programs, events and initiatives to make sure it is incorporated into our
daily business. Agendas and minutes are attached in the Environmental Activities Update as
requested by Council.
What are examples of ongoing environmental activities?
Some examples of activities include, but are not limited to; Beautify the Park, , green housing, green
building, energy grants for lighting of Police Station offices and some signal lights, educating
residents with the energy challenge, events such as Earth Day/Arbor Day and Eco Fair, landscape
and rain garden workshops, urban forest program, ash borer program, Westwood Nature Center
programming, storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP), active living program participation,
integrated pest management (IPM) of turf and plants in parks, energy efficiency improvements in
buildings, storm and surface water programs, green business development, continued improvements
to our garbage and recycling programs, moving to eliminate use of paper, review of environmentally
friendly purchasing, transition to more energy efficient vehicles in our fleet, continued education of
staff and information for residents, providing education sessions to youth, etc.
Solid Waste, Recycling, Erosion Control, Storm Water
As Council is aware, these programs are large, ongoing environmental programs that are well
established. Due to the size of the data and Council familiarity, a minimal amount of information is
attached. These areas will be discussed with Council at the Study Session. More information is
available as requested. Some recent activities in solid waste/recycling include:
• Work with Hennepin County by hosting and promoting the annual “Household Hazardous
Waste” disposal event.
• Participate in the County recycling recovery rate study to determine the amount of recyclable
material being thrown away in the garbage.
• Work with the County by hosting and promoting the upcoming medication drop-off event.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Page 7
Subject: Environmental Activities Update 2008-2010
• Work with Eureka Recycling by coordinating and providing video services to create the
“Twin Cities Free Market” video (http://www.stlouispark.org/waste-reduction/twin-cities-
free-market.html) to promote reuse and waste reduction.
• Work with Eureka Recycling to make the Earth & Arbor Day event at Westwood Nature
Center a “Zero Waste Event”. Also planning to make the 2011 City-wide Open House
being held at the MSC a “Zero Waste Event”.
• Working with Eureka Recycling to hold upcoming “Backyard Composting” workshops.
• Provide residents with education for Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) disposal and
waste reduction.
• Host meetings with business owners to promote waste reduction and recycling.
• Provide recycling education to SLP elementary school classes.
• Working with a local Girl Scout group on a recycling project to help them achieve their
“Gold Award”.
Westwood Hills Nature Center
Westwood Hills is a long standing show place for all types of environmental education and activities
in our city. Staff works closely with residents, guests, schools and other groups on programs,
education, information and activities for all ages. The 2009 Attendance Report is included in the
Environmental Activities Update attachment and more information about Westwood will be
presented at the Study Session.
Do we have Council reports related to the environment?
Attached is a list of Council reports from 2008 to present that have been provided to the Council
that relate to the environment. Listing of these reports can be found in the Environmental Activities
Update. A complete copy of any or all reports can be obtained upon request.
Does the City Manager’s Digest include information related to the environment?
Other activities happen daily and weekly that touch the environment. We share information on
environmental activities and events in the Digest. Attached in the Environmental Activities Update
are the Digest items that relate to environment from 2008 to present.
Do our neighborhoods have activities related to the environment?
Our neighborhoods are interested and active in the environment. They like to plan and carry out
activities for their specific neighborhoods. A wide spread environmental related event in St. Louis
Park neighborhoods is the annual Beautify the Park activity. Neighborhoods also get involved with
planting and request informational and educational sessions in the environmental areas. Attached in
the Environmental Activities Update is information on neighborhood activities as they relate to the
environment.
Beginning with the 2009 neighborhood grants, an additional $2,000 in grants ($100 per
neighborhood) is available to neighborhoods that incorporate an environmental component either in
conjunction with an existing event or adding a new program/event. This new grant element ties to
the Vision strategic direction: “St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in environmental
stewardship. We will increase environmental consciousness and responsibility in all areas of City
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Page 8
Subject: Environmental Activities Update 2008-2010
business.” In 2009, 11 neighborhoods requested the environmental grant. This year (2010), 16
neighborhoods have requested funding from the environmental neighborhood grant.
Do our volunteers work in the environmental area?
Our Volunteer Coordinator helps when citizens are interested in working on a variety of ongoing
activities related to the environment. These activities cross many departments and areas with our
City. Attached in the Environmental Activities Update is a listing of some of the environmental
related activities done by volunteers.
What commissions have activities related to environment?
Our commissions deal with environmental activities and issues in their regular work. The two
commissions that touch the environment most frequently are the Planning Commission and Park
and Recreation Advisory Commission. Depending on the topic, other commissions may also deal
with projects, initiatives and work in the environmental area.
What other agencies do we coordinate with on environmental items?
We coordinate with other agencies, cities, groups, etc., on the environment. Some include
Minnehaha Creek Watershed, Basset Creek Watershed, DNR, Three Rivers Park District, MPCA,
MN Department of Health, Metropolitan Council, Clean Water MN, Metro Blooms, MPWA (MN
Public Works Association), Prairie Restorations, Inc., Minnesota Department of Agriculture,
Hennepin County and Hennepin County Conservation District, Tree Trust, Xcel Energy, District
Energy, EPA. Staff from different departments provide support and connections to these agencies
depending on the topic or issue.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
Not applicable in the context of this report
VISION CONSIDERATION:
“St Louis Park is committed to being a leader in environmental stewardship. We will increase
environmental consciousness and responsibility in all areas of City business.”
Attachments: Environmental Activities Update 2008 – 2010
Vision Environmental Work Summary - 2008
Council Workshop Information - 2009
E-Group Meeting Agendas and Minutes
Solid Waste and Recycling
Council Meeting Presentations, Study Session Items and Reports
City Manager’s Digest Environmental Items
Neighborhood Environmental Activities
Volunteer Office Environmental Programs and Activities
Other Items
Prepared by: Nancy Deno Gohman, Deputy City Manager
Reviewed by: E-Group
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
City of St. Louis ParkCity of St. Louis Park
Environmental Environmental
ActivitiesActivities
UpdateUpdate
2008 2008 ––
20102010
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ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES
2009 City Council Workshop
Agenda
Friday, January 30
4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Site: AAA
City Council with Tom Harmening and Nancy Gohman
Bridget Gothberg, Facilitator
Proposed Workshop Outcomes:
• Participants will determine their recommitment to the four Strategic Directions.
• Participants will have a clear understanding of the community’s perceptions of the City via
the Decision Resources Survey with agreement on next steps for discussing and addressing
these results.
• Participants will have a clear understanding of the City’s updated Long Range Financial
Management Plan and the opportunities and challenges it portrays.
• Participants will have a general understanding of the services the City currently
provides.
• Participants will reach agreement on the approach for attaining a deeper understanding
of the City’s finances and the services it delivers, and the preparation and adoption of
the 2010 budget, including an approach for citizen engagement (if any).
1. Connections and Agenda Review
This is intended to serve as a workshop “warm-up” for the group and agreement on
“House Rules”.
2. Revisit Vision SLP and Strategic Directions – See Index #1
This is intended to be a “Big Bowl” discussion and allow for a renewed understanding
and progress report on where we have been with Vision and the four Strategic
Directions, with a discussion on our ongoing commitment to Vision and the Strategic
Directions.
DINNER
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 51
3. Review and Discuss Decision Resources Survey – See Index #2
This discussion will be a follow-up to a presentation being made by Bill Morris on the
survey results at the January 26 Study Session. This is intended to be free wheeling
discussion on the results as related to Vision and the Strategic Directions. Based on the
results of the survey as compared to Vision and the Strategic Directions, what are we
doing well, what are we missing, what might we do differently?
4. Review of and recommitment to City Council group norms – See Index #3
The intent of this discussion is to revisit the Group Norms and Expectations that were
previously developed and adopted by the Council. What are we doing well? What is
missing that would make this an even higher performing Council?
5. Closure
This is intended to be a wrap up conversation and an opportunity to set the stage for the
next day.
6. Adjournment (no later than 9 p.m.)
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 52
ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES
2009 City Council Workshop
Agenda
City Council Workshop
Agenda
Saturday, January 31
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Site: AAA
City Council, City Manager and Department Heads
Bridget Gothberg, Facilitator
1. Check-in
2. Connecting
Since the City Council and all Department Directors are not often together at one time,
we will undertake some type of exercise to get us all rolling in a positive way for the day
(Phil – this won’t be touchy-feely).
3. Review updated Long Range Financial Management Plan (LRFMP) – Index #4 – at Workshop
This is intended to allow for a thorough review and understanding of the City’s updated
Long Range Financial Management Plan. This will include a presentation on the
challenges and opportunities facing us in 2010 and beyond. This will also set the stage
for the budget discussion to follow.
LUNCH
4. Discuss Current City Services and Budget Process for 2010 – See Indices #6 and #7
This discussion will be broken into two pieces as follows:
• Undertake an overview of the internal and external services the City provides
with a general understanding of the following –
• What are the services the City has to provide (mandates from the
Fed’s, State or City ordinance/Charter)?
• What are the services the City needs to provide?
• What are the discretionary/value added services the City provides?
• What are the services we should stop providing?
• What are the services we would like to do, but are not providing
now?
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 53
• Given the financial challenges and opportunities facing the City, as noted
earlier in the discussion on the LRFMP, undertake a discussion on how we
should carry out the budget setting process for 2010 (including any citizen
engagement the Council may wish to consider). Staff will provide one or
more examples for Council consideration and to stimulate conversation. This
discussion is NOT intended to solve our budget issues – rather, it is intended
to identify the approach that would be the most productive and responsible
way to determine how we should allocate resources.
5. Pulling it all together
This is intended to allow time to wrap up loose ends and, if time permits, discuss other
topics of mutual interest.
6. Closure and Adjournment (no later than 3 p.m.)
Additional Documentation
Index #7 – Documenting the Vision Journey
Index #8 – Notes Section
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 54
ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES
2009 City Council Workshop
Vision SLP and Strategic Directions
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff requests Council feedback on Vision and where we have been with the 4 Strategic Directions
and reconfirm our ongoing commitment to Vision and the Strategic Directions.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Does the Council wish to reconfirm their ongoing commitment to Vision and the 4 Strategic
Directions?
BACKGROUND:
At the workshop, staff and council will take the time to review the 4 Strategic Directions of Vision,
where we have been, the information from the community from the survey conducted by Decision
Resources, and our on-going commitment. To prepare for this discussion, staff has included the
following pieces of data for background information as needed:
• 4 Vision Strategic directions
• 18 month guide with focus areas
• Vision timeline – 2006 to present – listing of current activities and initiatives/outcomes that
link to Vision
• Catalog of the Vision Journey titled: Vision St. Louis Park – Documenting the Journey.
Publications and reports from 2006 to present
Staff will have a brief presentation, and allow time for conversation, questions and discussion of our
ongoing commitment to Vision and the 4 Strategic Directions.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
NA
VISION CONSIDERATION:
The conversation is about Vision SLP and the 4 Strategic Directions. If the Council still wants to
move in this direction we will use data from Vision SLP and the Decision Resources results to keep
moving forward and to apprise Council.
Attachments: 4 Strategic Directions of Vision
Vision – 18 month strategic guide
Vision timeline
Looking at what we do through the lens of Vision, February 2008 to present
Prepared by: Nancy Gohman, Deputy City Manager/HR Director
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 55
2009 City Council Workshop – Vision SLP and Strategic Directions Page 2
St. Louis Park Vision
4 Strategic Directions
Adopted March 19, 2007
St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged community.
St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in environmental stewardship. We will
increase environmental consciousness and responsibility in all areas of city business.
St. Louis Park is committed to providing a well-maintained and diverse housing stock.
St. Louis Park is committed to promoting and integrating arts, culture, and community
aesthetics in all City initiatives, including implementation where appropriate.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 56
2009 City Council Workshop – Vision SLP and Strategic Directions Page 3
St. Louis Park Strategic Directions
18 month Guide
Adopted March 19, 2007
St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged community.
Focus will be on:
• Conducting research to determine what makes a neighborhood organization strong,
viable and sustainable with an aim toward increasing and strengthening
neighborhoods.
• Developing an expanded and organized network of sidewalks and trails.
• Promoting regional transportation issues and related dedicated funding sources
affecting St. Louis Park including but not limited to Hwy. 100 and SWLRT.
• Evaluating and investigating additional north/south transportation options for the
community.
• Increasing use of new and existing gathering places and ensuring accessibility
throughout the community.
• Exploring creation of a multi-use civic center, including indoor/winter use.
• Directing the Human Rights Commission to examine the Diversity section of Vision
St. Louis Park and develop goals/recommendations for actions
St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in environmental stewardship. We will
increase environmental consciousness and responsibility in all areas of city business.
Focus will be on:
• Expanding energy efficiencies in the City’s operations.
• Educating staff and the public on environmental consciousness, stewardship and
best practices.
• Working in areas such as the rehab loan program, development projects, permits etc,
encourage (and provide incentives where appropriate) green building design
(LEED), creation of open spaces, environmental innovations etc.
• Preserving, enhancing and providing good stewardship of our parks.
• Investigating the need and purpose for an energy/environmental commission.
St. Louis Park is committed to providing a well-maintained and diverse housing stock.
Focus will be on:
• Remodeling and expanding move-up, single-family, owner-occupied homes.
• Property maintenance to foster quality housing and community aesthetics.
• Working towards affordable single-family home ownership throughout the city.
St. Louis Park is committed to promoting and integrating arts, culture, and community
aesthetics in all City initiatives, including implementation where appropriate.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 57
2009 City Council Workshop – Vision SLP and Strategic Directions Page 4
Vision Timeline – 2006 to present
November 9, 2006: Vision Summit and Celebration
November 9, 2006: St. Louis Park Book of Dreams Presented to the Community
February 1-2, 2007 Council Workshop on Vision –
Development of the Strategic Directions
March 19, 2007: Council adopts the 18 month Strategic Directions
April 2007: LMC publishes article on St. Louis Park Vision
June 2007: Vision Brochure to the Community
July 2007: City Manager provides Council with Next Steps for Implementing
the Strategic Directions and identifies the staff team
September 2007: Vision Considerations Incorporated into Council Reports
November 2007: Vision Strategic Directions/2nd Quarter Report to Council
February 1-2, 2008 Council Retreat and Vision Update to Council
February 2008 through Staff Reports to Council on the Strategic Directions/Action Areas:
September 2008: - Environment/Energy Commission (2/25/08)
- Arts & Culture (5/12/08)
- Expanding Energy Efficiencies in City Operation (5/12/08)
- Promoting Regional Transportation (7/7/08)
- Housing (7/21/08)
- Diversity (8/11/08)
- Neighborhood Research (8/11/08)
- Preserve, Enhance Good Stewardship of Parks (9/2/08)
- Multi-Use Civic Center (9/2/08)
- North/South Transportation Options (9/8/08)
- Working in areas such as Rehab loans, etc. (9/22/08)
- Educating staff and public on environmental consciousness
(9/22/08)
- Gathering Spaces (10/6/08)
- Expanding Network of Sidewalks & Trails (10/6/08)
January 2009: Council Workshop
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 58
2009 City Council Workshop – Vision SLP and Strategic Directions Page 5
City of St. Louis Park
Looking at what we do through the lens of Vision…
February 2008 to Present
This document is a brief listing of current initiatives, programs and activities that relate or link to the
4 strategic areas of Vision. For more information on other programs, please refer to the document
titled: Vision St. Louis Park: Documenting the Journey, Publications and Reports 2006 to present.
The 4 Strategic Directions of Vision are listed below in bold.
St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged community.
Improving Transportation/Pedestrian/Bike Connections
Park Place Boulevard Streetscape Improvements
Xenia/Park Place Corridor Planning Study
Adoption of Hennepin County’s Active Living Resolution & Principles
Federal Recreational Trail Grant Program Award for Roadside Park Trail Connection
MnDOT/SLP Glencoe RR Mitigation Grant Application
Minnetonka Boulevard Corridor Planning Study
Louisiana & Hwy 7 interchange design start-up
Wooddale & Hwy 7 interchange final design/engineering, including new sidewalk and trails on
the bridge.
Southwest Transitway DEIS and Station Area Planning
Community Connections
Community Open House (June 2009)
100 Best Communities for Young People – 3 years in a row (January 2008)
Hennepin County’s Step To It Challenge
Critical Incident Drill at St. Louis Park High School
St. Louis Park City Connection meetings sponsored by the Twin West Chamber
Diversity
Telelanguage Interpretive Services Line
STEP – city support of relocation to Lutheran Church of the Reformation
Creation of the St. Louis Park Diversity Lens
Neighborhoods and Gathering Places
MyNeighborhood website tool for residents
Block Captain Quarterly Newsletter launched
Creating of the Willow Park Neighborhood Association (formerly known as the North Side Park
neighborhood)
Ellipse on Excelsior
Duke Development
St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in environmental stewardship. We will
increase environmental consciousness and responsibility in all areas of city business.
Green Tools for Homeowners and Businesses
Reinvestment Assistance Program Policy (Adopted February 4, 2008)
St. Louis Park Green Remodeling Program & MHFA Grant
Home Remodeling Fair – incorporating a “green” seminars, exhibitors and demonstrations
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 59
2009 City Council Workshop – Vision SLP and Strategic Directions Page 6
Purchase and Development of the 2600 Natchez Property into a Green Certified Home
Clean up and Redevelopment of Irv’s Property – Victoria Ponds TIF District modification
Redevelopment Contract with Real Estate Recycling
Conservation and Energy Efficiencies
Utilities Energy Audit
MSC plans and work with Oertel
Green Remodeling Workshops for Residents
Preserving and Protecting the Environment
Solid Waste Collection Contracts – Waste Management & Eureka
EPA Soil Vapor Intrusion Study and Remediation
Minnehaha Creek Restoration Project
Hennepin County Recycling Grant for Curbside Recycling
Adoption of St. Louis Park’s Water Supply Plan
Water treatment plant update – radium removal
Environment related Community Outreach
Beautify the Park
Raptor Program at Westwood Nature Center – Red-Tail Hawk donated to Westwood
• The new trail leading to the sun shelter at Louisiana Oaks Park.
Trail paving at Pennsylvania, Sunset, Bronx (including the basketball court)
Tree Trust Tree Planting Event
Fishing In The Neighborhood partnership with the MnDNR
St. Louis Park is committed to providing a well-maintained and diverse housing stock.
Westmoreland Housing Improvement Area
Property Foreclosure Workgroup
Wayside House Supportive Housing Stabilization Project
Water Disconnection Ordinance for Homes without Heat during Winter Months
Crime Free Multi-Housing Family Program and Training Sessions
Sunset Ridge Condominiums Housing Improvement Area
St. Louis Park is committed to promoting and integrating arts, culture, and community
aesthetics in all City initiatives, including implementation where appropriate.
Paint the Park Pilot Program
St. Louis Park Arts & Culture Grants, including the Children’s Nest Egg Project at Westwood
Nature Center, funding for the Park Theater Company Strategic Plan
Excelsior Boulevard beautification
City Hall Exterior and East Entrance Renovations
Saturday night amphitheater concerts (two Saturdays) partially sponsored by Excelsior & Grant
Movie night at the Rec Center sponsored by M & I Bank
West 36th Street Special Service Districts
Human Rights Commission Film Series
Park Place Boulevard Special Service District
Initiation of West End and Ellipse public art solicitations.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 60
VisionThe Journey2005 – 1/30/09(Tabs #1 & #7)Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 61
2005 Vision work begins with Partners, McKnight grant awarded.2006 Vision conversations in the community, Town Summit, Vision Action Teams created, Book of Dreams developed, Vision Workbook created, Vision celebration in community.2007 Council adopted the 18 month Vision Strategic Directions developed. Staff started sharing information and working on implementing Vision.2008 Staff continues work on action areas within the 18 month Strategic Directions and formally reports back to Council, February – October.2009 Council Workshop – Reconfirm our ongoing commitment to Vision and the Strategic Directions.Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 62
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 63
St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged community.St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in environmental stewardship. We will increase environmental consciousness and responsibility in all areas of City business.St. Louis Park is committed to providing a well-maintained and diverse housing stock.St. Louis Park is committed to promoting and integrating arts, culture, and community aesthetics in all City initiatives, including implementation where appropriate.St. Louis Park Four Strategic Directions Adopted March 19, 2007Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 64
..connected & engaged…..environmental stewardship…..well maintained and diverse housing…..arts, culture, and community aesthetics…Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 65
• Discussions with staff to make sure we all understand Council direction and the Vision 18 month Strategic Guide Plan.•Ideas on implementation.•Thinking about how we will be reporting back to Council on our successes.•How the work we do will relate to Vision.On Friday April 20, 2007, Tom talked with staff about the Vision JourneyA project team was assembled to start the journeyStudy Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 66
• John Luse (Strategic Direction #1) St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged community.• Nancy Gohman (Strategic Direction #2) St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in environmental stewardship. We will increase environmental consciousness and responsibility in all areas of City business.• Kevin Locke (Strategic Direction #3) St. Louis Park is committed to providing a well-maintained and diverse housing stock.• Cindy Walsh (Strategic Direction #4) St. Louis Park is committed to promoting and integrating arts, culture, and community aesthetics in all City initiatives, including implementation where appropriate.Vision Strategic DirectionStudy Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 67
SLP is committed to being a connected and engaged community. SDL John LuseSLP is committed to being a leader in environmental stewardship.SDL Nancy GohmanSLP is committed to providing well- maintained and diverse housing.SDL Kevin LockeSLP is committed to arts, culture, and community aesthetics.SDL Cindy WalshTeam: Tom Harmening, Kevin Locke, Mike Rardin, Rick Birno, Susan Schneck, George Hageman, Marcia Honold* Research strong, viable, and sustainable neighborhoods Champion: Marney Olson* Develop network of sidewalks and trailsChampion: Sean WaltherTeam: Mike Rardin, Scott Brink, Rick Beane, Adam Fulton, Mark Hanson, Meg McMonigal, Cindy Walsh* Promote transportation issuesChampion: Marcia HonoldTeam: Mike Rardin, Scott Brink, Rick Birno, Meg McMonigal, Jamie Zwilling* Investigate north/south transportation optionsChampion: Scott BrinkTeam: Sean Walther, Mike Rardin* Increase use of new/existing gathering placesChampion: Meg McMonigal* Explore multi-use civic center w/ winter useChampion Rick BirnoTeam: Craig Panning, Adam Fulton, Darla Monson, Nate Graham, Ann Boettcher, Jim Lombardi, George Foulkes, Mike Harcey, Ali Fosse, Cary Smith, Jim Olson* Direct HRC to examine Diversity and develop recommendations and goalsChampions: Lori Dreier and Marney OlsonTeam: Human Rights Commissioners, Ali Fosse* Expanding energy efficiency in City operationsChampion: Brian HoffmanTeam: Cary Smith, John Altepeter, Craig Panning, Mark Oestreich, Mark Hanson* Educating staff/public on environmental consciousnessChampion: Jamie ZwillingTeam: Mark Oestreich and other Westwood staff* Working on programs, projects, permits to encourage green building design and environmental innovationsChampion: Brian HoffmanTeam: John Tilton, Kim Bretza, Adam Fulton, Kathy Larsen, Reg Dunlap* Preserving, enhancing, and providing good stewardship of parksChampion: Rick BeaneTeam: Chad Kraayenbrink, Jenny Buskey, Jim Thompson, Jim Vaughan, Mark Oestreich* Investigating energy/environmental commissionChampion: Marcia Honold* Remodeling/expanding move-up, single-family homesChampion: Kathy LarsenTeam: Michele Schnitker, other external resources* Property maintenance to foster quality housing/aestheticsChampion: Manny CamilonTeam: Jim Vaughan, Dale Antonson, Colby Cartney, Bruce Berthiaume, Char Rohlik, Ann Boettcher* Working towards affordable housing throughout CityChampion: Michele SchnitkerTeam: Kathy LarsenStudy Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 68
Last year, we reviewed Vision at the Council workshop and staff was directed to:9Continue the work on the Vision Strategic Directions and 18 month Guide.9Report to Council:In 2008, each Vision Action Area provided an update and check in with Council. This included written reports to go along with conversation and check in on recommendations for action and policy consideration.9Survey - Check in with our community:Staff worked with Decision Resources to develop and conduct a survey to measure Vision.Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 69
The Vision Journey (for more details refer to tab #7) Vision St Louis Park, Documenting the JourneyStudy Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 70
Complete reports can be found under tab #7Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 71
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 72
We use the lens of Vision to:•Guide our work,•Design and run programs,•Help us in projects, •Look at initiatives and•How we deliver services.Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 73
9Improving Transportation Connections9Green Tools for Homeowners & Businesses9Conservation and Energy Efficiencies9Providing Well-Maintained and Diverse Housing Stock9Public Arts – West End, Ellipse, Westwood Nature Center9Increasing Community ConnectionsFebruary, 2008 to present: (more info on tab #1)Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 74
More examples of Vision as it relates to our work:Staff developed a list of the core environmental functions and talked about who is the lead in each area. This helps us both internally and externally with service delivery, projects and activities. We continue to build on our foundation, using Vision as a guide in our work with the environment. Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 75
Work with staffKeeping our partnersinformedKeepingour communityinformedChecking directionwith CouncilWorking on fourstrategic areasChecking with communityStudy Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 76
Hot off the Press!Positive feedback from community revealed inDecision Resources’ 2008 Residential Survey Resultsfor St. Louis ParkChecking in with our residents – the survey conducted by Decision ResourcesStudy Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 77
Quality of Life2008 City of Saint Louis ParkDecision Resources, Ltd.Excellent 79%Good 18%Only Fair 1%Poor 1%Unsure 1%Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 78
Value of City Services2008 City of Saint Louis ParkDecision Resources, Ltd.Excellent10%Good64%Only Fair10%Poor1%Unsure15%Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 79
Mayor & City Council2008 City of Saint Louis ParkDecision Resources, Ltd.Great Deal 3%Fair Amount 46%Very Little 48%Unsure 3%Strongly Approve 11%Approve 59%Disapprove 6%Strongly Disapprove 1%Unsure 23%Knowledge of Work of Mayor and City CouncilJob Performance of Mayor and City CouncilStudy Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 80
Our Vision -alive and growing!Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 81
What’s next?Checking in with CouncilStudy Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 82
Does the Council wish to reconfirm their ongoing commitment to Vision and the four Strategic Directions?• St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged community.• St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in environmental stewardship. We will increase environmental consciousness and responsibility in all areas of City business.• St. Louis Park is committed to providing a well-maintained and diverse housing stock.• St. Louis Park is committed to promoting and integrating arts, culture, and community aesthetics in all City initiatives, including implementation where appropriate.Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 83
Thank youStudy Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 84
E GROUP AGENDA
March 9, 2009
10 -11am
Westwood Room, City Hall
1. Introductions & Information Sharing 20 minutes
2. Subcommittee Report Back 15 minutes
• Water Bottles
• Beautify the Park
• Education
• Erosion Control – is this the same as what Jim referenced?
3. Create New Energy Challenge Subcommittee 10 minutes
4. Discussion 15 minutes
• Green Conferences
• Internal WIG
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 85
March E-Group Meeting
March 9, 2009
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Attendees: Jim Vaughan, Kathy Larsen, Brian Hoffman, Cary Smith, Cindy Walsh, Jamie Zwilling, Laura
Adler, Manny Camilon, Mark Oestreich, Scott Brink, Scott Merkley, Lisa Songle, Marcia Honold, Brenda Nelson,
Marney Olson, Dennis Millerbernd
Introductions
Jim welcomed everyone to the group and invited new members Dennis, Brenda, Marney & Lisa.
Information Sharing
Jim
• The new tree sale brochure is now available and the city and Tree Trust will be encouraging people
to fill out the order form electronically.
• Shared a rundown of the Dutch Elm disease losses citywide; the city continues to lose big urban trees
• The creek re-meandering project is almost complete; see the 3/6/09 City Manager’s Digest for more
information and details.
• Church of the Reformation is interested in starting a Youth Gardening Program
Marcia
• A draft of an approach to wind turbines has been completed and is currently sitting with directors
for input. Staff is recommending that the city hire a consultant to look further into wind generation;
could go to Council on 3/23
Manny
• Remodeling Fair was a successful; city gave away radon kits this year because they have an expiration
date
• Manny will be meeting with a former Park employee who is now an eco consultant
Marney
• Applications for neighborhood grants are now out and an e-component has been added to the
process this year. Neighborhoods who add an e-component can receive an additional $100. An
example could be e-friendly plates and utensils for a neighborhood picnic
• There is a group from the Minikahda Oaks neighborhood that is exploring the creation of a Friends
of Bass Lake organization. Laura added that she has had some interaction with this group and Jim
has been invited as well. Laura said the lake does seem drier in more recent years. Jim mentioned
Concerned Citizens for Minnehaha Creek as a resource
Kathy
• The Green Steps Initiative may be resuscitated with some stimulus money that could help boost its
profile.
• Remodeling tour is coming up on Sunday, May 2 from noon to 4 p.m. and the city will feature its
first MnGreenstar home.
Brian
• Work at the MSC begins in June and the entire site is expected to be torn up. The site will be
unavailable.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 86
• When completed, the MSC should meet the LEED silver certification level, but the city won’t be
pursuing the actual certification; the design will possibly incorporate such green technologies as
rooftop solar power for hot water needs. The site isn’t appropriate for geothermal, but it is
anticipated that both fire stations will be able to utilize this technology.
• Initial energy audit report is expected in a couple of weeks. Once a comprehensive plan is received,
there will be a detailed analysis completed and the city will have to determine where/if to make
investments.
• Some discussion about high efficiency street lighting … Marcia mentioned there may be some
stimulus and Scott B. mentioned that there are new technologies coming online. Brian indicated
that there currently are not incentives for high efficiency street lighting.
Subcommittee Reports
• Jim indicated that it should be a goal to have three or four active subcommittees at any given time.
Water Bottles
• Not much has been done on the water bottles at this point; group still indicates that it is a good idea and it
will be pursued when time allows.
Beautify the Park
• Marcia explained that we’re working on setting up clean up days for staff at Westwood where people would
be allowed time off from work to participate and allowed to dress casually to do so. The proposal is currently
making its way to Gohman and other directors for approval.
• Brenda suggested that we have directors or committee members to serve as mentors – there will be five or six
task groups
• Group thought it would be a good idea to indicate with each activity its strenuousness.
• Staff from Westwood will also be there to assist
• Brenda asked if this could be the start of a larger effort to promote volunteerism among our employees.
Marcia indicated that it’s something we could bring up to Gohman, but in the past the idea has been floated
and there were some complicated issues surrounding it.
• It was indicated that one initiative that could be undertaken would be to list volunteer opportunities on the
The Beehive
Education
• Mark explained that the subcommittee has met and outlined four areas to concentrate on: printed info,
personal contacts, events and conferences.
• The idea with conferences is that there would be some type of clearinghouse where we could examine
different opportunities and who on staff might be a good fit. PW has started something similar where they
list training opportunities on the The Beehive.
• Right now, the subcommittee is going to begin its focus by starting with the website – one of its bigger tasks.
• Committee will work to establish guidelines and fit then pull of content or add/change it to fit within
guidelines
• All info will go through the committee and Mark
• E-group agreed this sounded like a good start
Erosion Control
• Construction code inspectors will now be looking at erosion control at sites through all stages of
constructions.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 87
• Mostly affects larger sites with general contractors
Create New Energy Challenge Subcommittee
• Website www.mnenergychallenge.org has the basic details of the program
• Idea is to make people look @ their carbon footprint
• Need to promote externally – Goal is to be #1 city that’s done it
• It was run by Council and they liked the idea
• Discussion about issuing a friendly challenge to Edina; also a friendly challenge to staff
• Kathy indicated that it wouldn’t be too time intensive for staff as there is a lot of information, materials, etc.
out there. CEE also has staff that will sit down and help us.
• Jamie, Marney, Kathy and Lisa will be the initial members of the subcommittee with Marcia there to assist
the committee too.
Discussion
Green Conferences
• Discussion focused on a training database/Beehive page to share opportunities.
• Could we use an editable calendar to meeting this need? It seems that both ways, calendar and listing, may
be preferred to accommodate different styles.
• The easiest in the short term would be to set up a tab for training that could be updated
• Group thought this would be a worthwhile effort
• We would definitely need a disclaimer stating that supervisor approval is still required even though we’re
listing them
Internal WIG & other discussions
• Group was charged with examining possible internal WIGS and the easy things that we could start doing
now. Examples included e-agenda, using the The Beehive, adding a “Think twice before printing ….” line
to our email signatures, a larger Beautify the City initiative, providing green tips on a regular basis
• Group was charged with coming back with two “easy” things that could be done by next meeting
• Discussion about an E-Group logo and whether it was a good idea to have something to utilize when we’re
“green.” Group agreed that it was a good idea. The info/education subcommittee will pursue and bring
forward to the group
Next Meeting: 10 a.m., April 13th in the Westwood Room.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 88
E GROUP AGENDA
April 13, 2009
10 -11am
Westwood Room, City Hall
Members: Jim Vaughan, Kathy Larsen, Brian Hoffman, Cary Smith, Cindy Walsh, Jamie
Zwilling, Laura Adler, Manny Camilon, Mark Oestreich, Scott Brink, Scott Merkley, Lisa
Songle, Marcia Honold, Brenda Nelson, Dennis Millerbernd
1. Introductions & Information Sharing
2. Subcommittee Report Back
a. Water Bottles (name change?)
b. Beautify the Park
c. Education
d. Erosion Control
e. Mn Energy Challenge
3. Discussion Items
a. Internal WIG – review and discuss members’ lists of two “easy” things that
we could start doing now.
b. Budget Analysis
The E group is being asked develop a short and long term recommendation
to address the following Burning Question from City Manager:
“To be environmentally conscious and to save money, what changes can we
make to our systems to reduce the amount of paper that we use for both
internal and external purposes. Can we make additional adjustments to what
and how we mail documents? Examples include our utility billing mailings
(offering complete e-billing options). An example that we are implementing
relates to changes we discussed with the City Council regarding the Park
Perspective.”
Brenda and Jamie will provide a brief background of what’s been thought of
to date to assist with our brainstorming.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 89
E GROUP AGENDA
April 13, 2009
10 -11am
Westwood Room, City Hall
Members: Jim Vaughan, Kathy Larsen, Brian Hoffman, Cary Smith, Cindy Walsh,
Jamie Zwilling, Laura Adler, Manny Camilon, Mark Oestreich, Scott Brink, Scott
Merkley, Lisa Songle, Marcia Honold, Brenda Nelson, Dennis Millerand
1. Introductions & Information Sharing
• Manny Camilon: Precycling word he learned from another
organization which is basically similar things that we are doing
and using a “catchy phrase”
• Mark Oestreich: There will not be swans this year at the Nature
Center. They did not survive with winter with the Three Rivers
Park District. Wild Turkey sightings have increased.
• Scott Merkley: There is legislation being proposed to charge a
deposit for cans and plastic bottles (similar to Michigan and
other states). It probably won’t pass this year, but could be back
in the next session
• Jim Vaughan: There were 40 people in attendance at the last
landscape seminar he gave for the residents. This is the largest
turnout yet. The “clean up the creek event” hosted by the Parks
and Recreation Commission and staff will be on the 18th from
10-noon. Asplund tree is out trimming for Excel Energy.
Emerald Ash Bore has been found in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. This
is not a good sign and means it will be in Minnesota some time
soon.
2. Subcommittee Report Back
a. Water Bottles (name change?)—Lisa Songle, Jim V, Mark O., Scott A are
on the team. Lisa reported that the name will be changed to
Environmentally Friendly Containers. They are exploring guidelines for
disposable product usage, not just water bottles, which would look at
napkins, plates, silverware, etc. An example, 2 liter pop instead of
individual cans, etc.
b. Beautify the Park- sign up is available now. Jamie worked with the Mayor
to shoot a video. Look for info on beautify the park.org
c. Education-Mark has worked with Jim and Brenda to prioritize the info
listed on the web site. Priority is given to City related items or things that
directly affect residents.
d. Erosion Control-this responsibility will be transitioning over to
Inspections with Jim V remaining a back up. John Tilton will be taking
training. Chuck O’Conner was hired to do other things with public works.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 90
e. Mn Energy Challenge-This is our external WIG. We need to move this
forward by making sure that our goal is concrete and achievable. To that
end, we have decided to have a goal of signing up 1,000 residents (5% of
our population). This is a concrete goal that is easily measured. There are
some outreach tools being used to get us to that goal. The program is
being loaded on laptops and being brought to City events. The idea is to
bring the program out to the residents and help them take the challenge.
Someone from the Center for Energy will be coming to City hall to put on
a training session. Scott Anderson suggested that his meter reader could
help hand out educational material to residents when he visits them. There
will be a proclamation on April 20 letter the public know that the City is
embracing the energy challenge.
3. Discussion Items
a. Internal WIG – review and discuss members’ lists of two “easy” things
that we could start doing now.
• We went thru our list that Brenda distributed. Reps from each
department will talk to staffs about it and get ideas back to
Brenda. One idea is to set the automatic default to print back to
back to save paper. More on this at next meeting.
• Jamie will implement a “tip of the week” on the intrnet.
• Kathy will send info to Ali to put in the monthly employee
newsletter.
b. Budget Analysis
The E group is being asked develop a short and long term
recommendation to address the following Burning Question from City
Manager:
“To be environmentally conscious and to save money, what changes can
we make to our systems to reduce the amount of paper that we use for
both internal and external purposes. Can we make additional adjustments
to what and how we mail documents? Examples include our utility billing
mailings (offering complete e-billing options). An example that we are
implementing relates to changes we discussed with the City Council
regarding the Park Perspective.”
Brenda and Jamie will provide a brief background of what’s been thought
of to date to assist with our brainstorming.
* the discussion above goes to the is Burning Question from the City
Manager. This will also be discussed at the next meeting.
** Minutes taken by Cindy Walsh
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 91
E GROUP AGENDA
May 11, 2009
10 -11am
Westwood Room, City Hall
Members: Jim Vaughan, Kathy Larsen, Brenda Nelson, Brian Hoffman, Cary Smith, Cindy Walsh,
Dennis Millerand, Jamie Zwilling, Kevin Locke, Laura Adler, Lisa Songle, Manny Camilon, Mark
Oestreich, Marcia Honald, Marney Olson, Nancy Gohman, Scott Anderson, Scott Brink, Scott
Merkley
Marney Olson’s turn to take minutes this month – thanks Marney!
1. Introductions & Information Sharing
2. Subcommittee Report Back
a. Water Bottles (name change?)
b. Beautify the Park
c. Education
d. Erosion Control
e. Mn Energy Challenge
3. Discussion Items
a. Prioritize Internal WIG actions. Each member will select their top two preferred
actions – this voting will result in prioritizing actions that are “easy” things that we
could start doing now.
1. Encourage people to use electronic agendas rather than printing agendas.
2. Utilize a fax modem for all incoming faxes that would be sent directly to pc
3. Automatically set printers to default to double-sided printing when the
workgroup using designated printer agrees.
4. Reusable filters in office coffee pots
5. Turn off office lights at close of business to those areas not being utilized
6. Discourage use of bottled water at city events and encourage the use of
environmentally friendly paper products (or reusable products when
available).
7. Adding think twice before you print message to email signatures
8. Start providing tips on a routine basis to employees electronically
9. Turn off your computer monitor when leaving work for the day – although
IT is working on a system which could conflict with this – so for the time
being suggests it not be promoted.
10. Automatic lights in bathrooms and other occasionally used rooms
b. Budget Analysis – Attached draft document
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 92
The E group is being asked submit a short and long term recommendation, for the
reduction of paper, mailings and distribution of publications that can help reduce
costs.
4. Future Business – Discuss Draft City Green Building Policy at June Meeting
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 93
Purpose: To develop recommendations/concepts for the City Manager’s consideration about ways to
reduce paper use/consumption.
Background: The City Manager would like help from the E-Group on a piece of budget analysis. As you
know, we are looking at innovations and adaptations on what we do and are looking at ways to save budget
dollars across the city. The topic of use of paper, mailings, and publications is one that needs analysis and
recommendations on what possibilities we may have to change, stop doing or alter to save funds.
Burning Question from City Manager:
• To be environmentally conscious and to save money, what changes can we make to our systems to
reduce the amount of paper that we use for both internal and external purposes?
• Can we make additional adjustments to what and how we mail documents? Examples include our
utility billing mailings (offering complete e-billing options). An example that we are implementing
relates to changes we discussed with the City Council regarding the Park Perspective.
The goal is to come up with options for budget reductions to help with an overall target of 1.5 million
reduction for 2010 and follow the following guidelines: The solution is sustainable, responsible, fits with
mission delivery and thinking city first-then department.
Explain Current Approach:
We have a mix of manual, paper and electronic processes. Departments have been working toward paper
reduction which will also fit with our business needs and strengthen our customer service. Some examples of
what we are doing: Paperless agenda for Council, web-based registration for permits; applications and
activities; copier upgrades that can scan and duplex documents; and increased number of e-publications
Identify Possibilities for Change:
The E-Group has identified several potential changes for your consideration. Some could be implemented in
the future which would result in reduced paper and potential cost savings. More analysis would need to be
done to estimate cost realization from these ideas.
Paperless agendas for all Boards and Commissions and day-to-day activities. Comment: There would
need to be some up front analysis and expenditure to equip our meeting rooms and educate our board
and commission members on the new system and use of equipment. In the long term, this would save on
the amount of paper, courier and mailing for each meeting.
Transition away from paper to electronic in areas such as timesheets, newsletters, document imaging,
brochures, and direct mailings.
Cost containment for paper purchases and service contracts (copiers, faxes and printers). Savings
potential for bulk paper purchase could be $1,000 to $2,000.
Are there new technologies that could be put in place, or existing technologies that should be used that
would reduce paper production? Education of staff.
Increase participation in e-subscription services, which would allow for more timely and cost effective
communication with residents.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 94
Seek legislative change to publish legal notices electronically. Potential savings would be approximately
$6,000 depending based on 2007 and 2008 budget expenses.
Change how we publish and distribute the City School calendar. Do we need to print enough copies for
every household? On approach could be a smaller number of calendars printed (one calendar per school
family, hard copies in other key locations throughout city for those who want a copy) and provide it
electronically. Depending on how many calendars are printed and mailed, cost savings could be $2,500
assuming the calendar would still be supported by advertising.
Advantages and Disadvantages to Current Approach
The city’s practice is to use a variety of communication tools to promote and support neighborhoods,
encourage participation in public processes, promote events and inform the public about the work that we do.
At the same time, we also want to be good environmental and financial stewards.
As we consider altering the current approach, what do we give up if we stay the course? Will there be a
tipping point for the public into electronic media as a preferred method of communication? IR has been
evaluating how electronic communications can supplement or replace current communications methods.
How effective are direct mailings?
Advantages and Disadvantages to Possible Change
While staff would like to see a migration to paper, the city has hurdles to overcome to fully reach the
community through electronic means. How do we collect emails and develop a system to maintain them?
What are our technology needs? Technology is a barrier, both for residents who do not have computers or
internet, and for staff who do not have portable electronics (laptops, cell phones or blackberries). What
training will be required? How do we communicate the changes to the public and collect their feedback?
What if it doesn’t work? Any transition aware from paper to electronic media will require staff support,
particularly from IR.
Short and Long Term Cost Implications
How much will it cost? Some of the ideas would be easier to implement than others such as electronic
newsletters. Others could be realized in the short-term by a hybrid approach. With respect to technology, if
this is an area of future study, how much time and money will it take to make the migration and still meet the
communication needs?
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 95
E-Group Minutes
May 11, 2009
10:00 – 11:00 am
Attendees: Kathy Larsen, Kevin Locke, Cindy Walsh, Lisa Songle, Jim Vaughn, Scott Anderson, Brenda
Nelson, Laura Adler, Jamie Zwilling, Marney Olson, Mark Oestreich, Marcia Honold, Scott Merkley, Manny
Camilon
Information Sharing and Updates:
Brenda
• Demonstrated the new mimeo white board equipment. If people are interested in using it, please
check it out from IR.
Kathy
• City of St. Louis Park was asked to participate in the Living Green Expo and talk about our activity
with Green Remodeling and other Green Opportunities. The West Metro Sustainable Round Table
also asked SLP to participate and share information about our E Group and Vision.
• 360 people toured the Green Remodeled Home
Kevin
• The National American Planning Association Conference (4500 planners) was held in the twin cities
and one tour included Excelsior and Grand which will be a LEED certified neighborhood.
• The conference also included a number of environment sessions included wind generators,
sustainable plans, planning with environmental sensitivity, etc.
Cindy
• 150 people participated in the Minnehaha Creek Clean Up
• Please send any environmental clean up information to Scott Anderson and Jim Vaughn
Jim and Scott
• Attended the MS4 Conference and discussed a Storm Water Challenge
• The Engineering Audit report of City buildings is due May 18th and will to council May 25th
• The Mayor read the Beautify the Park Proclamation and did the Energy Challenge at a previous
council meeting.
• Some cities are implementing conservation rates for water with a 3 rate system. The goal is to hold
“normal” residents harmless, but it is designed for conservation.
• Golden Valley brought in a speaker and Jim will put the power point on the E Group page.
Marcia
• SLP will receive $198,000 in stimulus funding for environmental issues.
Manny
• Inspections is beginning to use Request Partners and hopes this reduces paper use.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 96
Sub Committee Reports:
Environmentally Friendly Containers: The committee put together guidelines. There are some future
recommendations which will require a dishwasher before we can implement internally. Water bottles will be
distributed at the Community Open House with a message to use water wisely.
Beautify the Park: Over 35 employees participated at the Nature Center and the event was very successful. Photos
are being collected from other clean ups and will be put on the website. The Earth/Arbor Day event was a huge
success with over 100 participants.
Education: This group has not met but they have scaled down the environmental section on the city’s website.
Public Works (Scott, Jim and Mark) planned a meeting with the school to talk about education of Public Works
and environmental component in the beginning of June. In the future, the Education group may take a more
proactive role of advertising events such as Bike to Work Week.
Erosion Control: Inspections is doing more erosion control inspections and the group will meet in the coming
weeks.
MN Energy Challenge: Promoted the energy challenge at the Green Remodeled House, Earth Day, Children
First Ice Cream Social and will also promote it at the Community Open House and in National Night Out packets.
Budget: the E-Group approved the budget report.
Prioritization of “Two Easy Things”
Suggestion Number of Votes
Duplex Printing 8
Turn off lights 6
Faxes to PC 3
Think Twice….email signature 3
Electronic Tips 2
Turn off computer monitor 2
Automatic lights 2
Electronic Agendas 1
The top two suggestions are highlighted in yellow.
Next Meeting: Monday, June 8th, 10:00 am, Westwood Room
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 97
E GROUP AGENDA
July 13, 2009
10 -11am
Westwood Room, City Hall
Members: Jim Vaughan, Kathy Larsen, Brenda Nelson, Brian Hoffman, Cary Smith, Cindy Walsh,
Dennis Millerand, Jamie Zwilling, Kevin Locke, Laura Adler, Lisa Songle, Manny Camilon, Mark
Oestreich, Marcia Honald, Marney Olson, Nancy Gohman, Scott Anderson, Scott Brink, Scott
Merkley
Cary Smith’s turn to take minutes this month – thanks Cary!
1. Introductions
2. Greg Hunt will discuss Draft City Green Building Policy, which is attached for members’
review prior to the meeting.
3. Subcommittee Report Back
a. Environmental Friendly Containers
b. Education
c. Mn Energy Challenge
4. Internal WIG Check – In
a. Brenda will provide on printers to default to double-sided printing when the
workgroup using designated printer agrees.
b. Check – in – reactions to turn off office lights at close of business to those areas not
being utilized
5. Future Business – Discuss Active Living Resolution at August Meeting – Sean W will attend
Meetings and Note Taking Responsibilities:
March 9th, 2009 Jamie Zwilling
April 13th, 2009 Cindy Walsh
May 11th, 2009 Marney Olson
June 8th, 2009 Cary Smith
July 13th, 2009 Lisa Songle
August 10th, 2009 Mark Oestreich
September 14th, 2009 Brenda Nelson
October 12th, 2009 Dennis Millerbernd
November 9th, 2009 Scott Merkley
December 14th, 2009 Kevin Locke
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 98
DRAFT
June 25, 2009
City of St Louis Park Green Building Policy
The City of St. Louis Park has long valued its natural resources and, as a result, has a considerable
history of environmental initiatives. One of the Strategic Directions listed within Vision St. Louis
Park is that the City “is committed to being a leader in environmental stewardship. We will increase
environmental consciousness and responsibility in all areas of city business”. As a fully developed
suburb, the City is actively engaged in redevelopment. Projects that incorporate Sustainable
Development practices positively impact the environment. Sustainable Development is defined as
“Development that maintains or enhances economic opportunity and community wellbeing while
protecting and restoring the natural environment upon which people depend. Sustainable
Development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations
to meet their own needs.” Sustainable buildings incorporate numerous strategies that result in
improved energy efficiencies, reduced water usage as well as increased employee productivity.
Sustainable site design promotes natural settings and results in improved storm water management
and reduced water usage. Together these efficiencies result in cost savings which are beneficial for
both the private and public sectors. To these ends, the City will actively encourage the development
of sustainable buildings and site design. In addition, the City will pursue policies and practices that
advance sustainability using techniques that produce significant measurable results and true return
on investment.
In the United States, buildings account for approximately:
♦ 68% of total electricity consumption
♦ 39% of total energy use
♦ 38 % of the carbon dioxide emissions
♦ 136 million tons of construction and demolition waste
♦ 12% of total water consumption
The built environment has a substantial impact on the natural environment, human health, and the
economy. By adopting green building strategies, cities can maximize both economic and
environmental performance. The most significant benefits can be obtained if the design and
construction team takes an integrated approach from the earliest stages of a building project.
Potential benefits of green building include:
Economic Benefits
♦ Reduce operating costs
♦ Create, expand, and shape markets for green products and services
♦ Improve occupant productivity
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 99
♦ Optimize life-cycle economic performance
♦ Reduce municipal infrastructure costs
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 100
Environmental Benefits
♦ Enhance and protect biodiversity and ecosystems
♦ Improve air and water quality
♦ Reduce waste
♦ Conserve and restore natural resources
♦ Reduce green house gas emissions
Social Benefits
♦ Enhance occupant comfort and health
♦ Minimize strain on local infrastructure
♦ Improve site and building aesthetics
♦ Improve overall quality of life
♦ Demonstrate environmental stewardship
Many redevelopment projects lend themselves to green certification by independent third parties and
the City strongly encourages the projects it completes and financially supports to pursue such
certification to verify that the building project meets the highest green building and performance
measures.
The City recognizes, in certain cases, that the cost of obtaining the actual certificate may not provide
an adequate return on investment. Redevelopment projects, by their very nature, often have their
own unique set of circumstances. Therefore, the City will encourage certification or third party
review but will be flexible in requiring it.
The City will however, require projects which it supports financially to undergo a Green Building
Review, meet certain energy savings targets and meet certain water conservation/improvement
targets so as to lessen their impacts on the environment. This, after all, is the primary objective of
“sustainability” and reducing carbon footprints. This measured approach is designed to be both
environmentally proactive and economically practical.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 101
The City/Economic Development Authority/Housing Authority will offer developers and
property owners who follow the Green Building Policy the following services without charge:
1. Staff assistance to shepherd the project through the development process and ensure
adherence to the sustainability requirements.
2. Sustainable Design Experts with in-depth sustainable design experience to assist with
specific issues, through a combination of city staff and private consultants. This will
improve the quality of the project.
3. Energy modeling/HERS Rating support.
The following construction projects receiving or using City financial assistance* must
undergo a Green Building Review:
1. Non residential
a. All new municipal buildings or additions (designed for ongoing occupancy)
greater than 15,000 square feet and renovations greater than 50,000 square
feet.
b. All new commercial, mixed use, and industrial construction projects,
additions (designed for ongoing occupancy) greater than 15,000 square feet,
and renovations greater than 50,000 square feet receiving $200,000 or more
in city financial assistance.
2. Residential
a. All new and renovation multifamily residential buildings.
b. All detached single family, owner-occupied, renovation projects.
*City financial assistance is defined as funds derived from the following sources:
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Housing Improvement Area Loans
Housing Rehabilitation Fund
Reinvestment Assistance Program
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 102
Revenue Bonds
Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
Municipal, commercial, industrial & non-residential buildings covered by the Green
Building Policy must fulfill the following requirements:
1. Use LEED or B3 as a design tool and submit a checklist at the time of planning
approval and permit application. (This will provide a standard language among all
team players, provide for clear goal setting and tracking and inform the City what
strategies are employed in the process.)
2. Conduct whole building energy modeling required to meet MN Sustainable 2030
targets. (This will ensure that the building owner is informed as to what energy
options exist so as to fully evaluate the life cycle costs of various building
components.)
3. Conduct building commissioning per LEED or B3. (This will provide a baseline
approach to commissioning, which is done to ensure that a building is initially
performing at the level it was intended.)
4. Reduce water use in building, 30% below EPA Policy Act 1990. (This requirement
is intended to conserve water and water-related costs.)
5. Reduce water use for landscaping, 50% reduction from comparable site. (This
requirement is to ensure that water conservation is not limited to the building
occupant use. In some suburban areas, over 75% of the water consumed on average
comes from landscape irrigation.)
6. Reduce actual solid waste in construction, 75% recycled or diverted from landfills.
(Within the Twin Cities, this is an important, although not difficult standard to meet.
Many projects are seeing over 90% of construction materials diverted from landfills.)
7. Improve indoor environmental quality by implementing six or more of the following
developer selected strategies:
a. outdoor air delivery monitoring
b. increased ventilation
c. construction IAQ management plan
d. low-emitting materials
e. indoor chemical & pollutant source control
f. controllability of systems
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 103
g. thermal comfort
h. daylight & views
(In a typical Twin Cities office building, the costs associated with employees’ salaries
and benefits are approximately 100 times greater than the cost for energy per square
foot. Therefore, if these measures produce a 1% improvement in the employees’
performance, it could exceed a building’s entire energy budget.)
8. Implement current Best Management Practices for handling stormwater on-site to
exceed City and local watershed management organization requirements. The use of
roofs and tanks for management and treatment is encouraged. The collection and
reuse of stormwater for irrigation is also encouraged. Stormwater management and
treatment should be designed to maximize the efficacy and aesthetic appearance of
the system. (Over time, this level of performance will decrease the overall
infrastructure costs to the City, as well as improve environmental outcomes.)
9. Report actual energy use (kBtu/SF/year) (municipal buildings to use B3
benchmarking) and actual water use (gallons/occupant/day) for 3 years (new
buildings) or 1 year prior and 2 years following (existing buildings). (In order to
reduce energy usage it is critical that building owners be fully cognizant of how much
energy they are consuming. Tracking these results will help monitor the results from
the measures taken above as well as incent building owners to seek additional energy
efficiencies.)
10. Obtain a written cost estimate for achieving “green” certification by at least one
third party sustainable building program. (This will allow the building owner to
more fully determine the cost/benefit of such certification. In some cases, grants, or
low interest loans are available to owners who accomplish certification. **)
**List financial resources, like Xcel’s EDA, GRE’s LEED program, the state’s OES
Grant applications, etc.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 104
The Green Building Policy for Residential Projects:
The Green Building Policy for residential projects will be consistent with principles
embodied in certified green building programs such as MN Green Communities, MN
GreenStar, Energy Star Homes and LEED H. These principles are: integrated design
process; site improvements; energy efficiency and water conservation measures; resource
efficiency - materials that are beneficial to the environment; indoor environmental quality;
and sustainable operations and maintenance.
Consultants will provide recommendations and projected payback time for each
improvement made, and when projects are seeking “green certification” consultants will
make site visits to ensure that agreed upon improvements are properly installed. The
following residential types will be addressed as described below.
1. Affordable housing projects (funded by MHFA and requiring compliance to the MN
Green Communities standards) will be reviewed by MN Green Communities.
2. New Construction and/or renovation of multifamily buildings are required to be
reviewed by the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) through Center Point’s
multifamily Design Assistance Program. This is a custom consulting program using
independent consultants who provide developers with specific information about
how to increase the energy efficiency of their buildings.
3. Single family, owner-occupied homes undergoing renovation that use City funds will
be required to have an audit conducted by a utility company or independent
approved Home Energy Rating System (HERS) auditor. An audit conducted within
the past five years will be accepted.
4. Single family owner occupied homes will be eligible to participate in the City’s Green
Remodeling Program which provides technical assistance and financial incentives.
Only residents receiving green loans are required to receive certification through MN
GreenStar.
5. All residential projects receiving assistance will be required to submit reports of actual
energy use (kBtu/SF/year) and actual water use (gallons/occupant/day). New homes
will be required to report for three years. Renovated homes will be required to report
for one year prior to and two years following project completion.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 105
Within the EDA’s TIF and Redevelopment Assistance criteria, additional points will be
awarded to projects that meet any of the following:
1. United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) standards for New Construction (NC or
Core and Shell) – Silver (3 pts), Certified (2 pts) or
2. State of Minnesota Sustainable Building Guidelines, B3 (3 pts)
Within the City’s Housing Improvement Programs, preference will be given to projects
that meet any of the following:
1. Minnesota Green Communities - Compliant or
2. Minnesota GreenStar – Silver, Certified or
3. LEED for Homes (H) – Silver, Certified or
The City will implement a community outreach program to promote green building.
This effort will use the city’s promotional resources. Specific audiences to be targeted will be single
family homeowners, neighborhood organizations, multifamily housing owners and developers and
private developers.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 106
E-Group Minutes
July 13, 2009
10:00 – 11:00 am
Attendees: Scott Anderson, Scott Merkley, Jamie Zwilling, Cindy Walsh, Lisa Songle, Mark
Oestreich, Dennis Millerbernd, Manny Camilon, Mike Dobesh, Jim Vaughan, Kathy Larsen,
Marney Olson, Kevin Locke
Guest: Greg Hunt
Information Sharing and Updates:
Cindy
• Cindy reported that the City Council will be discussing at the July 13 meeting the use
of the Excess Land Sale Proceeds (approximately $500,000 currently) to develop a
tree preservation fund which will focus on the replacement of the 4,000 boulevard
Ash trees in the city anticipated to be replaced due to the Emerald Ash Borer. Public
feedback regarding the use of the funds indicated a desire for an environmental,
community wide benefit. She indicated that it will cost approximately $2.5 million to
remove and replace the boulevard trees, only. She also mentioned that Environmental
Coordinator Jim Vaughan was featured in the Sunday Star Tribune regarding the
Emerald Ash Borer initiative in theTwin Cities. In response to an inquiry, Jim
indicated that the city is looking at 10 different species to replace the ash trees in the
boulevard.
Marney
• Marney indicated that residents had notified the Mayor and herself regarding the
Community Pride Awards available in various categories. The area of interest being
focused on for submission by the city is the Beautify the Park program.
Mark
• Mark informed the group that he spoke recently to Joe Hiller of the DNR regarding
funding through the state for environmental projects. He was informed that there will
be no local distribution of any funds. The focus of any funds will be on regional
parks. He indicated, however, that resurrection of the LAWCON (Federal Land and
Water Conservation) Fund is being investigated. This is a program from the 1970s.
Focus currently is on regional parks.
Jim
• Jim reminded the group regarding the opening of Lilac Park. He passed around a
“Fishing in the Neighborhood” booklet featuring two SLP lakes (Wolfe Lake and
Lamplighter) and indicated that 1 additional park is on the website. He indicated that
city recently received 50 fishing poles, tackle, etc. from the Bemidji office of the
DNR. He discussed a new GreenCorp imitative focusing on environmental initiatives
and stated that several departments are looking at the potential for two paid interns
through the program. There would be no cost to the city, except for space, small
incidentals. He also mentioned that a Garden Tour is being investigated at request of
City Manager which would promote the city. He noted that this had the potential as a
for-profit venture.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 107
City Green Building Policy
Greg Hunt discussed Community Development initiative for a Green Building Policy. He
indicated that the city does not want to promote something to the private sector without taking
the initiative on themselves. A draft of the Green Building Policy was supplied previously to the
E Group. In preparation of policy development, they looked at what Minneapolis and St. Paul
have been promoting as well as the NAIOP. Their basis is to promote green building, with a
return on investment, not just doing something to do something. They want measurable results,
economic return on investment. Draft includes economic, environmental and social benefits.
These guidelines will be undertaken by the city in all buildings it does as well as any
buildings/projects it funds. The city would utilize a sustainable building expert, in addition to
city staff, on each project at a cost of $3,000 - $5,000 per project. Green Building Policy would
apply to residential and non-residential projects. Big requirement is that projects need to submit
for a three year period energy savings. Renovations/rehabilitations are to provide one year prior
and two years post project completion. Discussion ensued to provide outreach to all community
projects, providing information on the Green Building Policy, not only those that seek financial
contribution from city. Next steps will be to promote to one additional inside source and then
Council. Cindy requested that a “think tank” be developed for those who are affected. E Group
supports continued movement of the Green Building Policy.
Sub Committee Reports:
Environmentally Friendly Containers: Lisa indicated that a successful distribution of water
bottles happened at the Community Open House with a message to use water wisely.
Approximately 500 bottles were distributed. Cost per bottle $2.35, approximately $2.50 overall
cost with inserts. Bottles are available at Inspections and Public Works.
Education: Scott Merkley discussed initiative to promote education in the schools. He
indicated their group met internally with Public Works and Parks & Recreation Departments and
with Sara Krzesowiak, school volunteer coordinator. They discussed expanding program
currently in elementary schools to both junior high and high school students. School wanted
additional information on what topics, curriculum could be covered. When that is completed,
information will be forwarded to the school who will use this more as a speaker bureau –
availability if desired. Schools focusing on IB program versus No Child Left Behind.
MN Energy Challenge: Promoted the energy challenge at the Community Open House and
provided information in National Night Out packets. Was promoted in the Water Report and put
in Utility Rate Notification sent by Finance.
Future Business
At the August meeting, E-Group will discuss Active Living Resolution. Senior Planner Sean
Walthers will present.
Next Meeting: Monday, August 10th, 10:00 am, Westwood Room, Minutes to be taken by Cary
Smith
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 108
E GROUP AGENDA
August 17, 2009
10 -11am
Community Room, City Hall
Members: Jim Vaughan, Kathy Larsen, Brenda Nelson, Brian Hoffman, Cary Smith, Cindy Walsh,
Dennis Millerand, Jamie Zwilling, Kevin Locke, Laura Adler, Lisa Songle, Manny Camilon, Mark
Oestreich, Marcia Honald, Marney Olson, Nancy Gohman, Scott Anderson, Scott Brink, Scott
Merkley
Mark’s turn to take minutes this month – thanks Mark!
1. Introductions
2. Sean Walther will be our guest to explain the Active Living Hennepin Communities – 2009
(see attached) and Active Living Resolution.
3. Subcommittee Report Back
a. Environmental Friendly Containers
b. Education
c. Mn Energy Challenge
4. Internal WIG Check – In
a. Brenda will provide on printers to default to double-sided printing when the
workgroup using designated printer agrees.
b. Check – in – reactions to turn off office lights at close of business to those areas not
being utilized
5. Future Business – Report back on Green Building Policy and ideas are welcome
Meetings and Note Taking Responsibilities:
March 9th, 2009 Jamie Zwilling
April 13th, 2009 Cindy Walsh
May 11th, 2009 Marney Olson
June 8th, 2009 Cary Smith
July 13th, 2009 Lisa Songle
August 17th, 2009 Mark Oestreich
September 14th, 2009 Brenda Nelson
October 12th, 2009 Dennis Millerbernd
November 9th, 2009 Scott Merkley
December 14th, 2009 Kevin Locke
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 109
E-Group Minutes
August 17, 2009
10 -11am
Community Room, City Hall
Members Present: Jim Vaughan, Kathy Larsen, Brenda Nelson, Brian Hoffman, Jamie Zwilling,
Kevin Locke, Laura Adler, Lisa Songle, Manny Camilon, Mark Oestreich, Marcia Honald, Marney
Olson, Scott Merkley. Absent: Cary Smith, Cindy Walsh, Dennis Millerand, Nancy Gohman,
Scott Anderson, Scott Brink,
Manny Camilon volunteered to take this month’s minutes.
Open Discussion
Jim Vaughan started the meeting asking if anyone had anything to share with the E-group.
• Mark said they received a second Tree Trust crew this summer because of stimulus money
Tree Trust and Hennepin County received. The cost to the city to hire these
crews was also reduced from $2800 to $1900.
• Everyone is invited to see the Beautification Project at the Nature Center, including prairie
plantings and restoration from a small fire started by a careless cigarette flick.
• Family of 4 river otters spotted at Nature Center.
• New staircase with new seedlings planted on either side.
• SLP has seen a marked usage increase in Nature Center, Wolfe Lake Park & splash pad.
• Jim V. said they will plant 100 trees by bike trail behind Nordic Ware & by new
Beehive(Tree Trust initiative)
• Jamie Z. asked for information for articles and Marcia H. is tracking how SLP is using
stimulus dollars, so cc her too. Another case of SLP is taking the lead in new programs.
• Jim V. said Manny C. wondered if City could make quarter sheet scratch pads from recycled
paper. Brenda N. said yes they are & reminder could go out they are available.
• Kathy L. said CDBG recovery funds with energy/environmental components have been
allocated to the City. Project for Pride in Living will be making $120,000 of energy
improvements to the Louisiana Court apartments, and the city is receiving $100,000 to assist
with Aquila Park improvements.
Active Living Hennepin Communities – 2009 Project
Sean Walther gave a brief presentation to the group. This project has been active for about 2 years
and Sean is looking for support from other groups and volunteers. The Mayor and Gail Dorfman
are on this board and the project itself has council approval.
Essentially, the goal is to incorporate 30 minutes of physical activity into our daily lives through
integrating through building design, sidewalks and pathways width for walking and bicycling, by
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 110
providing crime-free and safe areas & convenience to end destinations. Duke Campaign is one
group highlighting the goals of ALHC. Sean showed the negative side of not integrating these steps:
obesity, higher medical costs, type 2 diabetes, etc.
In March of 2008, the SLP Council directed staff to prepare ALHC policy relating to programs for
employees and residents. Sean has waited because Hennepin County is a leader and may be working
on a model program for other HC cities.
Sean then asked for question, comments and answers:
• CITE could do a presentation on this topic as well as the e-group.
• $5K annually is going currently to the SLP program already.
• How does ALHC tie in with Vision?
• Blue Cross is a major source of funding & committee is exploring opening up Dale
Campaign to other groups like us. Could tie in with council doing their fall bike tour.
• Neighborhoods could be involved by integrate into existing programs.
• Marney O. & Jamie Z. volunteered to help this committee & be our liaisons.
• Could link this program to our website.
1. Subcommittee Report Back
a. Environmental Friendly Containers - No report.
b. Education – Mark O. has a volunteer working on brochures and format. Scott M. met
with high school volunteer director, Sarah K. for government speakers and Mark O.
applied for a youth activity grant.
c. MN Energy Challenge – Kathy L. reported we are holding 5th place with 400
participants. Goal is 1,000 participants by year’s end. Lisa S. is working with schools and
suggested we could get students from the HS Environmental Group and the SLP scouts
to help with flyers in their backpacks, etc. October/November are the most effective
months to promote the challenge. Also, suggestion we advertise through the annual
Halloween Party and the Fire Dept Open House.
d. Dept of Energy monies ($200,000) are being used to replace police dept lights, traffic
and pedestrian lights. Goal is to set up an account before the end of the year.
2. Internal WIG Check – In
a. Brenda is working on making printers default to double-sided printing. Interested
depts. are utilities, parks and rec. center, individual printers and possibly the police dept.
b. Good reactions by most of staff to turn off office lights in those areas not being utilized.
Suggested we get more stickers from John A. for other city buildings with maybe some
colorful signs (Green light bulb logo?) informing residents that we are open, but just
conserving.
3. Future Business – Report back on Green Building Policy and ideas are welcome
Next Meeting and Note Taker:
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 111
September 14th, 2009 Brenda Nelson
October 12th, 2009 Dennis Millerbernd
November 9th, 2009 Scott Merkley
December 14th, 2009 Kevin Locke
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 112
E GROUP AGENDA
September 14, 2009
Westwood Room
Not Available
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 113
E-Group Minutes
09/14/09
Brian Hoffman Report
- handout from Brian includes CIP items, Stimulus items, BH has final copy of audit printed
out and Lisa has saved electronically somewhere for directors
- narrowed list down by things that we are already doing to recommending things to do, can
do things that are not huge financial payback when they come due for replacement
- option for turnkey package (hire them to do recommendations and need to re-analyze
annually; high cost to complete based on outside quotes - EX: police lights 50K vs. 87K)
- BH met w/directors on other ways to do these things: items in yellow added to CIP to do
over next few years and items in pink will be done with stimulus $
- digital temp controls in City Hall would be an addtnl payback because of climate study
feedback
- we should get the invoice for the study from McKinstry soon
- need to get back to council with a report of findings and next steps
- comp mgmt already in process; any way to have all do updates like that on things that are
already in progress ?
- Brian recommends setting up way in future for updates on status of these items, longer
term is there an opportunity for this group to check-in?
- subcommittee? task group will wind down; Brian asking Egroup for recommendation of
future direction
- comment about automatic sinks, etc: Cindy has tested and some are possible but also
problem prone, also options for replacing parts instead of whole sinks, etc
- items not highlighted were not seen as huge paybacks but will be considered in future as
possible
- comment about basing cost savings per unit not current cost (EX: gas price down next year
will change savings) - data in full report not this spreadsheet
- makes sense to implement via CIP (JV)
Introduction and sharing
West Metro Roundtable next week (Klarsen going in afternoon)
- excess land sale use at council meetingn tonight (Cwalsh), written report to lead to policy;
one more parcel possible (Klarsen)
- awards (Molson): 9/6/09 at state fair, Beautify the Park runnerup, JV and RBirno accepted
awards, photos coming, 36th St Redesign runnerup, Lilac park won, Children First
honorable mention, look at ideas for next year
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 114
- formal notification of grant approval for energy efficiency has been approved, Mark
Hanson lead for traffic, John Alt & Brian for lighting at Police; Educ Subcomm helping
spread news (Mhonold)
- discussionat Senior Center on Wed w/mayor, challenges facing suburban mayors to include
active living (Mhonold)
- state sponsored lecture info from Smerkley (JVaughan)
Subcommittee Reports
- Energy Challenge contact w/SOS (JV, LS),looking at partnnerships JV & LS following up
- Green Step Cities proposal (JV), looking for ideas: do we want to pursue?Tom was
involved in nadvisory committee and Kathy was on tech committee for bldgs, found funding
thru MPCA for pilots cities, good chance if we apply, benefits to city participating to find
areas of improvement and enhancement, concern about time involvement - good to ask
about that and resource commitment, apply by 9/28/09, not really allowing for internal
process of directors to Tom to council, Kathy to follow-up and email group
- printers duplex update
- how to get msg out about lights out (MO)
- Westwood staff met with school staff and has requests for changing curriculum so currently
working on changes
- goal to have one list of offerings, most common needs
- MO working on grant to get funding for going into the classroom
- get environment website updates to JV, BN, including calendar events
- still working on calendar locdations
- EAB educ campaign: JV & JZ will work over winter for info
- LS working on contacts with schools for partnering on energy challenge, activity fairs not
until October, some interest with 6 grade group
- MO talked with Fire about open house and they are open to others participating, Oct 5th
from 5- 8 pm
- halloween party saving a spot, nat. honor soc. can staff a table (idea for energy bar
incentive)
- could get flyers to schools to give to kids in backpacks, goes out Oct 6th
Next Month
next month
- one app of renewable energy source good to do (MO)
- send ideas to MHONOLD (NG has asked her to work on those that are a good fit)
- more community initiatives, not just city hall bldgs
raising money for planting, tour homes, etc (from council meeting tonight, CWALSH)
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 115
E GROUP AGENDA
October 12, 2009
10 -11am
Westwood Room
Members: Jim Vaughan, Kathy Larsen, Brenda Nelson, Brian Hoffman, Cary Smith, Cindy Walsh,
Dennis Millerand, Jamie Zwilling, Kevin Locke, Laura Adler, Lisa Songle, Manny Camilon, Mark
Oestreich, Marcia Honald, Marney Olson, Nancy Gohman, Scott Anderson, Scott Brink, Scott
Merkley
Note taker for October meeting – Denny Millerand
1. Introductions - sharing
2. Subcommittee Report Back
a. Education
b. Mn Energy Challenge
3. Internal WIG update – Brenda and Jim
4. Scott Anderson to show a snippet from new water CD he has
5. Green Shade Initiative – Jim Vaughan and Cindy Walsh - attached
6. Mn GreenStep Cities Update - Letter of Interest attached
7. Coming events
a. Tree Planting along the SW Regional Trail Saturday, October 10 from 9 – 11 (visit
Treetrust.org for more information)
b. Nature Center Halloween Celebration – Friday and Saturday (October 16 & 17)
8. Future Business – Ideas are welcome
Meetings and Note Taking Responsibilities:
March 9th, 2009 Jamie Zwilling
April 13th, 2009 Cindy Walsh
May 11th, 2009 Marney Olson
June 8th, 2009 Cary Smith
July 13th, 2009 Lisa Songle
August 17th, 2009 Mark Oestreich
September 14th, 2009 Brenda Nelson
October 12th, 2009 Dennis Millerbernd
November 9th, 2009 Scott Merkley
December 14th, 2009 Kevin Locke
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 116
The Green Shade Initiative
City of St. Louis Park
Forestry Community Investment Plan – draft 4
October 2, 2009
Curt N. Peterson, CFRE, Consultant
Executive Summary: The Green Shade Initiative is a new comprehensive community
investment prototype that strategically targets a broad portfolio of potential individual and
institutional donors for support of St. Louis Park’s Forestry Program. Fitting perfectly under
Vision St. Louis Park, and also addressing goals established by the St. Louis Park Community
Foundation, this initiative will be community volunteer led and driven, yet firmly placed under
the authority of St. Louis Park’s Forestry Program.
History
St. Louis Park has historically been a community that cares about trees. It was the first of its
neighboring suburbs to create a strategic comprehensive forestry plan and remains a leader. The
City not only sets annual tree planting goals but also plants and maintains boulevard trees – a
unique commitment.
Since the City’s Forestry Program was established in 1980, the program has planted and
maintained over 12,000 trees, and works from the city’s 2009 Vision Statement that cites “St.
Louis Park is committed to being a leader in environmental stewardship. We will increase
environmental consciousness and responsibility in all areas of city business.” In contrast,
Crystal, Hopkins, and Robbinsdale have historically had smaller forestry programs, and the other
western first-ring suburbs of Richfield, Brooklyn Park, and Brooklyn Center have no forestry
programs at all. It is the City’s commitment to planting and caring for trees on its streets and
public lands that has helped make St. Louis Park a great place to live and worthy of the “park” in
its name.
Today
Today, tree-planting and maintenance efforts to beautify and preserve St. Louis Park’s leafy
boulevards and public spaces are at grave risk. The first factor is steady and now severe cutbacks
in federal and state funds that previously helped support the Forestry Program. The current
Forestry Program budget City-wide totals $286,000, a 52% reduction from its peak of $600,000
in 2003. The second major threat to St. Louis Park’s tress is the emerald ash borer, which is
placing unprecedented demands on Forestry Program resources. Louis Park estimates it has
4,000 ash trees on its boulevards alone, with an additional 3,000 estimated ash trees on city-
owned properties. With an average replacement/replanting cost of $900 per tree, ($600 to
remove the tree and $300 for the planting of a new tree), this represents a potential cost to the
city of $6,300,000 for ash borer control…just within the next three to four years! Without
additional funding, many of these 7,000 ash trees will not be able to be removed on a timely
basis or replaced!
In addition, the Forestry Program has already been forced to cut its proactive Dutch elm-
injection program in half for 2009 (reduction from $40,000 to $20,000) and is scheduled to
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 117
eliminate this program in 2010. ($0) This program provides partial reimbursement to
homeowners to encourage them to preserve their large elm trees (both on boulevards and on
private property) and prevent the further spread of Dutch elm disease. With the current recession
in place and with homeowners not being projected to underwrite the entire cost of elm-injections,
the city now predicts that the removal of roughly 500 elm trees a year will peak to 700-800 over
the next 3-4 years, representing a 37% increase in elm tree loss.
The threat to St. Louis Park’s tree-lined boulevards and parks is very real, as is the potential loss
of much of the City’s investment in shade trees. Action is needed to prevent these losses and
keep St. Louis Park’s streets and parks shaded and green.
St. Louis Park’s past commitment to trees is sound public policy. Research clearly indicates that
any city’s investment in shade trees/landscaping dramatically increases property values and
reduces energy costs. Trees produce cleaner air both locally and globally (according to tree
advocates, an acre of mature trees absorb the carbon dioxide created by driving 26,000 miles).
In addition, mature shade trees simply make St. Louis Park a more beautiful and restorative place
to live. The question is how to preserve this legacy during the current crisis, when reduced
funding and skyrocketing threats from disease are converging to threaten our City’s trees. The
time to act is now.
The Green Shade Initiative*
The attached proposal suggests an innovative approach to meeting these challenges: the creation
of a citizen- and civic-based forestry investment plan. This model follows the successful model
supporting tree planting and maintenance in Chicago, under the leadership of Mayor Daly and
their forestry program’s slogan, “creating a city within a park.” Under such a model, individual
citizens and civic groups work with City staff (helping carry out more of the forestry plan than
can be City-funded) to advocate, fundraise, conduct community education, and provide labor in
support of trees. A small group of concerned residents including first approached City Staff with
this concept and has worked in partnership with Staff to develop the following goals, objectives,
and work plan. The group presents the following for the Council’s review and input and seeks
approval for Staff involvement in the Initiative.
*proposed draft name
Financial Goals
2010 Goals - $50,000 (net) (additional 400-500 trees)
2011 Goals - $75,875 (net) (additional 600-750 trees)
2012 Goals - $108,750 (net) (additional 800-1,000 trees)
2013 Goals - $108,750 (net) (additional 800-1,000 trees)
Total Goal for 4 years: $343,375 (net) (excluding securing endowment gifts)
(an additional 2,600 – 3,250 trees)
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 118
Outcomes
1. Create a more invested community in support of our forestry program.
2. Launch a metro-wide media campaign that showcases that St. Louis Park IS the “park” of
our suburbs.
3. Plant 5,000 trees in 4 years.
Strategies
1. Create and operationalize the “Forestry Friends of St. Louis Park”, a new ongoing group
of individual and organizational donors who will provide contributions in support of the
St. Louis Park Forestry program.
2. Create and launch a new St. Louis Park garden/pond tour called the “The Park
Garden/Pond Tour” that will be held in mid June of each year. The tour will be
established with the expectation that it will be an annual event and will run for a
minimum of 4 years with new additions to the offerings each year. Criteria for inclusion
in the tour will be set, an electronic marketing and registration process/protocol will be
established, a review/selection team will be recruited, corporate sponsorships will be
secured and media coverage will be secured.
a. Goal: Showcase beautiful citizen investments in their landscaping, their gardens
and ponds.
b. Goal: Promote and assist homeowners to invest in their landscaping, gardens and
ponds.
c. Goal: Help promote donations to the Forestry Friends of SLP.
3. Create and launch “The Most Beautiful Tree in the Park” contest. Each year, a different
species will be selected, community awareness and education regarding the species will
be shared with the broader community, contest criteria will be set, a panel of community
volunteers will be selected and the announcement of such tree will be made in the
community press.
a. Goal: Make citizens aware of the sustainable needs for keeping large and
beautiful trees in our community.
b. Goal: Help citizens realize the beauty of what we have and showcase the need for
the various Forestry events for the year.
c. Goal: This is the one event that is tied completely to the new Forestry Friends
Endowment Fund.
4. Fold in the existing September-based “Evergreen Awards” as part of the Green Shade
Initiative. Started in 1990, this community activity can also help showcase community
efforts.
5. Secure matching dollars from the St. Louis Park Community Foundation in support of
individual donations in support of the Forestry Program.
6. Continue the existing Park Tree Sale program, but turn it into a fundraiser and not a drain
on the current Forestry budget.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 119
7. Create the “Forestry Friends Endowment Fund,” a specific fund within the St. Louis Park
Community Foundation that allows for planned gifts to be made in support of the
Forestry Program.
Tactics
1. Create a volunteer community steering committee of 12 individuals, representing civic,
business, professional and citizens. It will be called the “Forestry Friends.” Their
primary role will be to fund raise for these programs.
2. Create a data base of “environmental stewards” that will start with the existing
Environment Vision Action Team Roster and extend to supporters of the Lilac Way
Initiative, Friends of the League of Women Voters Tree Project and supporters of Tree
Trust of St. Paul.
3. Secure a pro bono marketing public relations firm to launch all creative collaterals for
this program (target Padilla Speer and Beardsley)
4. Create a professional logo and final (coordinated) names for the events and a T-shirt
(donation) that will market the entire Forestry Friends concept and events.
5. Identify and link to key media sources for maximum exposure.
6. Kick off the program at a January City Council meeting, with press release, and
announcing at the end-of-January Home Remodeling Fair.
Target Audiences for the Forestry Friends plan
1. Community citizens
2. Civic leaders
3. Corporate and small business sponsorships
4. Charitable family and institutional foundations
Possible Partners
1. Restore Lilac Way Initiative
2. Tree Trust
3. League of Women Voters
4. Rotary Clubs of St. Louis Park
5. Other to-be-identified businesses and business owners
Action steps to launch implementation
1. Get city and city council input and approval.
2. Search, secure and authorize a public relations firm (pro bono) to start work on design,
naming, and other collateral materials.
3. Create a link and webpage for the Forestry Friends various annual programs and donation
opportunities on the existing City of St. Louis Park website.
4. In the August “City Perspectives”, announce a community meeting for concerned
individuals to congregate and plan the creation of the Forestry Friends work plan to be
launched in early 2010. (see sample ad below)
5. Finalize the case statement and all performance metrics at all levels.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 120
6. Create sponsorship packets, identify sponsor prospects and make face-to-face
solicitations to all prospects before end of 2009 (timing is crucial so we can help shape
corporate marketing donation budgets of these prospects when they create their 2010
budgets)
7. Set individual work plans and event chairs for all events. Establish timetable and
accountabilities at every level.
Financial Goals 2010 Breakdown
“The Park Garden/Pond Tour”
Sponsors:
5 @$1,000 = $5,000
3 @$2,500 = $7,500
2 @ $5,000 = $10,000
1@ $10,000 = $10,000
(with $32,500 proposed gross, we are looking at an estimated costs of $5,000 so a
profit goal of $27,500.)
Ticket sales: (by family)
250 @ $30 = $7,500 (this ideally will include up to $30 in coupons redeemable at
companies who are in the gardening, landscaping, pond business.)
“Forestry Friends of St. Louis Park” donor campaign
Donations:
100 donations @ $25 (avg) = $2,500
50 donations @ $100 (avg) = $5,000
10 donations @ $250 (avg) = $2,500
1 donation @ $1,000 = $1,000
“Forestry Friends Endowment Fund”
Identify 5-10 major prospects
Park Tree Sale
100 sales @$50 ($25 profit) = $2,500
Forestry Friends T-shirts (classic design that becomes a collectable vs a sponsorship tool)
100 sales @30 ($15 profit) = $1,500
Financial Goals 2011 Breakdown
“The Park Garden/Pond Tour”
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 121
Sponsors:
7 @$1,000 = $7,000
4 @$2,500 = $10,000
2 @ $5,000 = $10,000
1@ $10,000 = $10,000
(with $37,000 proposed gross, we are looking at an estimated costs of $3,000 so a
profit goal of $34,000.)
Ticket sales: (by family)
350 @ $30 = $10,500 (this ideally will include up to $30 in coupons redeemable
at companies who are in the gardening, landscaping, pond business.)
“Forestry Friends of St. Louis Park” donor campaign
Donations:
100 donations @ $25 (avg) = $2,500
100 donations @ $100 (avg) = $10,000
30 donations @ $250 (avg) = $7,500
2 donations @ $1,000 = $2,000
1 donation @ $2,500 = $2,500
“Forestry Friends Endowment Fund”
Work the 5-10 major prospects with 1 endowment gift secured
Identify 5 more prospects
Park Tree Sale
200 sales @$50 ($25 profit) = $5,000
Forestry Friends T-shirts (classic design that becomes a collectable vs a sponsorship tool)
125 sales @30 ($15 profit) = $1,875
Financial Goals 2012 Breakdown
“The Park Garden/Pond Tour”
Sponsors:
7 @$1,000 = $7,000
4 @$2,500 = $10,000
3 @ $5,000 = $15,000
@ $10,000 = $10,000
(with $42,000 proposed gross, we are looking at an estimated costs of $3,000 so a
profit goal of $39,000.)
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 122
Ticket sales: (by family)
400 @ $30 = $12,000 (this ideally will include up to $30 in coupons redeemable
at companies who are in the gardening, landscaping, pond business.)
“Forestry Friends of St. Louis Park” donor campaign
Donations:
200 donations @ $25 (avg) = $5,000
100 donations @ $100 (avg) = $10,000
30 donations @ $250 (avg) = $7,500
10 donations @ $1,000 = $10,000
4 donations @ $2,500 = $10,000
2 donations @$5,000 = $10,000
“Forestry Friends Endowment Fund”
Work the 10-15 major prospects with 1 new endowment gift secured
Identify 5 more prospects
Park Tree Sale
150 sales @$50 ($25 profit) = $3,750
Forestry Friends T-shirts (classic design that becomes a collectable vs a sponsorship tool)
100 sales @30 ($15 profit) = $1,500
Financial Goals 2013 Breakdown
“The Park Garden/Pond Tour”
Sponsors:
7 @$1,000 = $7,000
4 @$2,500 = $10,000
3 @ $5,000 = $15,000
@ $10,000 = $10,000
(with $42,000 proposed gross, we are looking at an estimated costs of $3,000 so a
profit goal of $39,000.)
Ticket sales: (by family)
400 @ $30 = $12,000 (this ideally will include up to $30 in coupons redeemable
at companies who are in the gardening, landscaping, pond business.)
“Forestry Friends of St. Louis Park” donor campaign
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 123
Donations:
200 donations @ $25 (avg) = $5,000
100 donations @ $100 (avg) = $10,000
30 donations @ $250 (avg) = $7,500
10 donations @ $1,000 = $10,000
4 donations @ $2,500 = $10,000
2 donations @$5,000 = $10,000
“Forestry Friends Endowment Fund”
Work the 15-20 major prospects with 1 new endowment gift secured
Identify 5 more prospects
Park Tree Sale
150 sales @$50 ($25 profit) = $3,750
Forestry Friends T-shirts (classic design that becomes a collectable vs a sponsorship tool)
100 sales @30 ($15 profit) = $1,500
Responsibilities and Expectations of Forestry Friends Steering Committee
1. Provide leadership with both mandatory financial support and personal time in either a
leadership or worker position.
2. Review, edit, and approve all plan components and protocols.
3. Assist in securing donations or ticket sales or sponsorships for the various events that
support the Forestry Program.
4. Attend monthly meetings once the Steering Committee is established and other meetings
as required when events are happening.
5. Help identify prospects, locations, trees, etc. – all in support of the goals and tactics of the
approved events.
6. Follow appropriate and established protocols on term services and leadership roles.
a. Committee terms are for 2 years, renewable, with full Steering Committee
approval.
b. Leadership terms are for 1 year, renewable, with Executive Committee approval.
c. Bylaws that layout purpose, protocols, how work is to be accomplished will be
upheld upon final approval of Executive Committee.
City of St. Louis Park’s proposed role for implementation
1. Supports the creation of web link and web page for all new forestry events. Working
with pro bono design, will underwrite the cost of adding this page(s).
2. Will collect and process donations that come to the city in support of the forestry
program. Will send out acknowledgements to all donations on a timely basis.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 124
3. Will provide financial reporting of all donations or expenditures as it relates to the
proposed forestry events.
4. City representative serves on Forestry Friends Steering Committee and Executive
Committee.
5. Will house and collect simple contact data on the ever-expanding list of supporters.
Curt Peterson’s proposed role for implementation
1. Finish the initial creation of this proposal.
2. Secure professional writer oversight for initial materials.
3. Write and place the ad for the first community organizing meeting. Lead and facilitate
this initial meeting along with city and county officials.
4. Help identify and recruit prospective members of the Steering Committee, the Executive
Committee, the event chairs, and the membership of the work groups.
5. Finish the case statement and all final work plans.
6. Create initial financial documents for approval.
7. Host and/or lead all subsequent planning meetings.
8. Assist with all prospect recruitment and solicitation.
Proposed ad for first meeting:
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 125
SPECIAL INVITATION
Come join a group of citizens who are passionate about their “park” and are
deeply concerned about the loss and needed replacement of our city’s trees!
Many of us want to continue to see our community invest in our forestry program
so we can retain our property values, keep our heating/cooling costs low, and do
our part to address global climate change!
(Do you have a garden, a well-landscaped yard, or a pond that you are proud of
and would be willing to share at a new, future “Park Garden/Pond Tour...and are
you interested in hearing some other great ideas?)
Come to an important planning/organizing meeting on
October 29, 2009 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm at the St. Louis Park City Hall
Council Chambers, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd., 3rd floor
that will address how each of us can sustain our SLP Forestry
Department’s outstanding legacy by attacking funding losses and the
work of the Emerald ash borer!
Call Curt Peterson at 612-998-7466 or email curt@orgdev.org to RSVP!
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 126
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 127
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 128
E-Group Minutes
October 12, 2009
10 -11am
Westwood Room, City Hall
Members Present: Jim Vaughan, Kathy Larsen, , Brian Hoffman, Kevin Locke, Cindy Walsh,
Laura Adler, Lisa Songle, Mark Oestreich, Marcia Honold, Marney Olson, Scott Merkley, Scott
Anderson, and Scott Brink.
Members Absent: Cary Smith, Dennis Millerand, Nancy Gohman, Brenda Nelson, Jamie Zwilling,
and Manny Camilon,
Minutes prepared by Scott Merkley.
1. Open Discussion
Jim started the meeting asking if anyone had anything to share with the E-group.
• Marney discussed “Lights Out” imitative where cities promote climate action. 350.org is the
organization promoting October 24th as the day of action.
• Cindy discussed Council approving use of excess land sale proceeds for city reforestation and
noted that a “Tree Policy” being developed to address this.
• Brian discussed the audit results and including facility improvement in the budget.
• Kevin discussed UofM Law School project where students will review our zoning ordinance
looking for “green” opportunities, UofM will be meeting with Meg soon, the City is under
no obligation to make ordinance changes, UofM staff will be invited to future E-Group
meeting to discuss their findings.
• Jim discussed items listed in the Metro CERT Fall Newsletter including grant projects,
upcoming workshops and events, etc. – for more information visit their website
http://www.greeninstitute.org/.…. Jim noted America Recycles Day is Nov. 15… Jim
discussed tree trust planting along the SW regional trail and at Lilac Park next Saturday,
October 17th.
2. Subcommittee Reports
a. Education Committee
Speaker’s Bureau – Mark discussed speaker’s bureau topic list, the group supported Mike
Rardin and Cindy Walsh’s recommendation to start marketing Speaker’s Bureau now, it was
suggested this info be shared with the other Directors.
City Education at the Schools - Mark discussed the ongoing discussion with the schools on
how the City educational topics get fitted into the schools IB program.
b. MN Energy Challenge
Kathy reported we are holding 5th place with approximately 430 participants. Our goal is
1,000 participants by year’s end. We are currently working with the schools (Sarah
Thompson) on backpack flyers and ECHO newsletter. The Challenge is also being
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 129
promoted at the Fire Open House, Westwood Nature Center Halloween Parties, League of
Women Voters events, Neighborhood newsletters, Hamilton House, City Hall bulletin
board, and at large events at the Rec Center.
3. Internal WIG Check – In
a. Default printers for double-sided printing - Brenda continues to work on this and making
sure new printer have this capability.
b. Reminder Signs for turning off lights - Jim provided examples of the design for the new signs
encouraging staff to shut off lights. These signs will be laminated and installed next to light
switches in all city buildings by the Fac Mtce staff. Jim will send an All SLP email letting
staff know this is happening.
4. Interactive Stormwater Education
Scott A. showed a part of an interactive stormwater web demo that was developed by Hamline
University & AWWA for 3-6 grade students. There is also similar interactive web program for
water and sewer. This info can be distributed to schools either via the WEB or on CD’s. Scott
also noted that other educational material from Partners of Clean Water is available and is
something we may want to run on Cable TV.
5. Green Shade Initiative
Jim informed group that a resident has initiated public tree replacement program and the City is
working with the resident to see where this can fit in. The City may support the initiative, but
most likely will not finance it. The initiative is still in the developmental stage and has not been
discussed with Council, as it still is a concept at this time.
6. MN GreenStep Cities Update
GreenStep Cities is a voluntary program offering sustainable best practices for greenhouse gas
reduction. GreenStep is looking for 5 cities to volunteer to participate in the program. SLP has
submitted a letter of interest and will find out soon if we will be included. Program will wrap up
June 2010, as mandated by state legislature. The program is for cities of all sizes, except Mpls.
and St. Paul which are considered too large.
7. Re-Energize MN
This is a new program started in Oct. 2009 to distribute homeowner rebates for energy efficient
home upgrades created as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The money
is already gone, as builders took advantage of customers they already had lined up for work.
8. Future Business
Ideas are welcome.
Next Meeting and Note Taker:
November 9th, 2009 Dennis Millerbernd
December 14th, 2009 Kevin Locke
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 130
E GROUP AGENDA
November 9, 2009
10 -11am
Westwood Room
Members: Jim Vaughan, Kathy Larsen, Brenda Nelson, Brian Hoffman, Cary Smith, Cindy Walsh,
Dennis Millerand, Jamie Zwilling, Kevin Locke, Laura Adler, Lisa Songle, Manny Camilon, Mark
Oestreich, Marcia Honald, Marney Olson, Nancy Gohman, Scott Anderson, Scott Brink, Scott
Merkley
Note taker for November meeting – Denny M
1. Introductions – sharing
2. Meg McMonigal will present the University of MN Law School’s Zoning Improvement
Project (ZIP). The attached document describes the project.
3. Subcommittee Report Back
a. Education
At the recent meeting we talked about a list of easy green things that we would like
to add to employee newsletters, on the intranet et al. Jamie is having an intern
create a list of items we could choose from and discuss at the meeting. We should
determine if topics are to be chosen at E-group meetings or delegate to Education
committee
b. Mn Energy Challenge – Pass around laptop.
4. UpOnGreen. Discussion regarding potential city participation. See website:
www.upongreen.com
5. Mn GreenStep Cities Update – SLP has been selected as one of the five demonstration
cities. See attached
6. Coming events
a. Nov 15th – America Recycles Day
b. League of Women Voters and the Center for Energy & Environment are
sponsoring MN Energy Challenge Workshop & Energy savings on Nov 11 at the
Park Shores Senior Center and on Nov 19 in the Council Chambers.
c. CITE will be sponsoring CEE’s presentation of the MN Energy Challenge & how to
save money & energy to staff at upcoming brown bag lunch in December
7. Future Business – Ideas are welcome
Meetings and Note Taking Responsibilities:
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 131
November 9th, 2009 Scott Merkley
December 14th, 2009 Kevin Locke
Zoning Improvement Project (ZIP) Project Assignment
Goal: The Zoning Improvement Project will result in suggested modifications for the City of St.
Louis Park zoning and subdivision regulations to better achieve sustainability goals. A report
supporting the modifications will be produced. The report will include: a description of general
sustainability principles related to the modifications; identification of specific sustainability concepts
derived from the city vision, comprehensive plan, and other policies; the connection between specific
sustainability concepts and suggested regulatory modifications; draft regulatory modifications; and a
suggested process for adoption of the modifications including education of citizens.
The specific topical challenge will be how to integrate residential neighborhoods and commercial
activities in a sustainable manner. Some of the sustainability ideas that may apply are “complete
streets”, active living, green infrastructure, LEED-ND, and mixed-use districts/structures.
Because the time frame of the course is unlikely to result in final adoption of regulatory changes,
students will also follow the development and adoption of a wind energy ordinance in St. Louis
Park. The wind energy ordinance is under development and will be scheduled for public hearing
during spring semester.
Project Partner: City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Primary Partner Contacts: Ms. Meg J. McMonigal, AICP
Planning and Zoning Supervisor
Community Development Dept.
952-924-2573
mmcmonigal@stlouispark.org
Mr. Kevin Locke, Director
Community Development Dept.
952-924-2580
klocke@stlouispark.org
Working Groups: Working groups of two students each will be created. Each group will choose a
focus area related to the one or more primary report sections. Research and writing of each group
will focus on that section of the report. Coordination will occur across groups in choosing one or
more focus areas for suggested regulatory modifications and groups will come together to draft
suggested regulatory modifications. Contact with St. Louis Park staff, appointed and elected officials
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 132
and citizens will also be coordinated across groups in order to minimize duplication of contacts.
Choice of groups will be made following the November 18th class at which St. Louis Park staff will
present. Roundtable discussions will occur starting in December.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 133
1. Initial Focus Area: Linking general sustainability principles to local land use regulations and
identification of specific sustainability concepts derived from the city vision, comprehensive
plan, and other policies
a. What general sustainability principles apply best to land use decisions?
b. What Minnesota state-level sustainability principles apply to local government?
c. Are there Minnesota laws that apply to local sustainability decisions in general, not
specific to land use regulations? Can these relate to local land use decisions?
d. How do Minnesota statutes authorizing local land use decisions support, or not
support, incorporating sustainability concepts in local ordinances?
e. Are there legal obstacles or limits to local governments modifying land use
ordinances for sustainability?
f. How do the city documents support sustainability concepts?
g. How do these concepts relate to land use ordinances and the specific topic of
integrating residential neighborhoods and commercial activities in a sustainable
manner?
2. Initial Focus Area: Identification of sustainable land use ordinance techniques to implement
the specific topic of integrating residential neighborhoods and commercial activities
a. What are sustainability issues related to the specific topic?
b. What will sustainable integration of these uses look like 25 or 50 years from now?
c. What specific techniques can be used in land use ordinances to sustainably integrate
residential neighborhoods and commercial activities?
d. What barriers are there in St. Louis Park to achieving sustainable integration of these
uses?
e. What techniques can overcome these barriers?
3. Initial Focus Area: Suggested process for adoption of the modifications and education of
citizens
a. What are city goals for educating citizens on ordinance modifications?
b. What are city goals for citizen involvement in ordinance adoption?
c. What are minimum Minnesota legal requirements for adoption of ordinance
modifications? What requirements to other states have for ordinance adoption?
d. What are best practices for citizen involvement in ordinance changes?
e. What are the barriers to citizen involvement? How can these barriers be addressed?
f. What are costs and staffing needs necessary for implementing best practices v.
minimum requirements?
Combined Focus Area: Connection between specific sustainability concepts and suggested regulatory
modifications; and drafting regulatory modifications
a. What specific changes to ordinance language are necessary to implement the chosen
sustainability policy?
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 134
b. How do the vision, comprehensive plan, and other policies support the suggested
changes?
c. What are potential costs to city, developer, citizens of the ordinance change?
d. What are potential benefits to city, developer, citizens of the ordinance change?
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 135
Project Timeline :
November 18: Project kick-off with presentation by St. Louis Park staff
November 23: Work groups formed
December 2: Identification of issues to be researched by each initial work group
December 8: Identification of types of local people to interview by each initial work group
January 30: Draft report of findings on issues and results of interviews of initial work groups
February 3: Begin combined focus area work
February 24: Draft ordinance revisions
March 15: Final ordinance revisions
March 30: PowerPoint on suggested regulatory changes and scheduled presentation to policy-
makers
April 15: Final report
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 136
Zoning Improvement Project (ZIP) Project Assignment
Goal: The Zoning Improvement Project will result in suggested modifications for the City of St.
Louis Park zoning and subdivision regulations to better achieve sustainability goals. A report
supporting the modifications will be produced. The report will include: a description of general
sustainability principles related to the modifications; identification of specific sustainability
concepts derived from the city vision, comprehensive plan, and other policies; the connection
between specific sustainability concepts and suggested regulatory modifications; draft regulatory
modifications; and a suggested process for adoption of the modifications including education of
citizens.
The specific topical challenge will be how to integrate residential neighborhoods and commercial
activities in a sustainable manner. Some of the sustainability ideas that may apply are “complete
streets”, active living, green infrastructure, LEED-ND, and mixed-use districts/structures.
Because the time frame of the course is unlikely to result in final adoption of regulatory changes,
students will also follow the development and adoption of a wind energy ordinance in St. Louis
Park. The wind energy ordinance is under development and will be scheduled for public hearing
during spring semester.
Project Partner: City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Primary Partner Contacts: Ms. Meg J. McMonigal, AICP
Planning and Zoning Supervisor
Community Development Dept.
952-924-2573
mmcmonigal@stlouispark.org
Mr. Kevin Locke, Director
Community Development Dept.
952-924-2580
klocke@stlouispark.org
Working Groups: Working groups of two students each will be created. Each group will choose
a focus area related to the one or more primary report sections. Research and writing of each
group will focus on that section of the report. Coordination will occur across groups in choosing
one or more focus areas for suggested regulatory modifications and groups will come together to
draft suggested regulatory modifications. Contact with St. Louis Park staff, appointed and
elected officials and citizens will also be coordinated across groups in order to minimize
duplication of contacts. Choice of groups will be made following the November 18th class at
which St. Louis Park staff will present. Roundtable discussions will occur starting in December.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 137
1. Initial Focus Area: Linking general sustainability principles to local land use regulations
and identification of specific sustainability concepts derived from the city vision,
comprehensive plan, and other policies
a. What general sustainability principles apply best to land use decisions?
b. What Minnesota state-level sustainability principles apply to local government?
c. Are there Minnesota laws that apply to local sustainability decisions in general,
not specific to land use regulations? Can these relate to local land use decisions?
d. How do Minnesota statutes authorizing local land use decisions support, or not
support, incorporating sustainability concepts in local ordinances?
e. Are there legal obstacles or limits to local governments modifying land use
ordinances for sustainability?
f. How do the city documents support sustainability concepts?
g. How do these concepts relate to land use ordinances and the specific topic of
integrating residential neighborhoods and commercial activities in a sustainable
manner?
2. Initial Focus Area: Identification of sustainable land use ordinance techniques to
implement the specific topic of integrating residential neighborhoods and commercial
activities
a. What are sustainability issues related to the specific topic?
b. What will sustainable integration of these uses look like 25 or 50 years from now?
c. What specific techniques can be used in land use ordinances to sustainably
integrate residential neighborhoods and commercial activities?
d. What barriers are there in St. Louis Park to achieving sustainable integration of
these uses?
e. What techniques can overcome these barriers?
3. Initial Focus Area: Suggested process for adoption of the modifications and education of
citizens
a. What are city goals for educating citizens on ordinance modifications?
b. What are city goals for citizen involvement in ordinance adoption?
c. What are minimum Minnesota legal requirements for adoption of ordinance
modifications? What requirements to other states have for ordinance adoption?
d. What are best practices for citizen involvement in ordinance changes?
e. What are the barriers to citizen involvement? How can these barriers be
addressed?
f. What are costs and staffing needs necessary for implementing best practices v.
minimum requirements?
Combined Focus Area: Connection between specific sustainability concepts and suggested
regulatory modifications; and drafting regulatory modifications
a. What specific changes to ordinance language are necessary to implement the
chosen sustainability policy?
b. How do the vision, comprehensive plan, and other policies support the suggested
changes?
c. What are potential costs to city, developer, citizens of the ordinance change?
d. What are potential benefits to city, developer, citizens of the ordinance change?
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 138
Project Timeline :
November 18: Project kick-off with presentation by St. Louis Park staff
November 23: Work groups formed
December 2: Identification of issues to be researched by each initial work group
December 8: Identification of types of local people to interview by each initial work group
January 30: Draft report of findings on issues and results of interviews of initial work groups
February 3: Begin combined focus area work
February 24: Draft ordinance revisions
March 15: Final ordinance revisions
March 30: PowerPoint on suggested regulatory changes and scheduled presentation to policy-
makers
April 15: Final report
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 139
E-GROUP MINUTES
November 9, 2009
10:00 -11:00 a.m.
Westwood Room
Members Present: Jim Vaughan, Kathy Larsen, Brian Hoffman, Cindy Walsh, Dennis Millerand, Jamie Zwilling,
Laura Adler, Lisa Songle, Mark Oestreich, Marcia Honald, Marney Olson, Scott Brink and Scott Merkley.
Note taker for this meeting – Denny Millerbernd.
1. Introductions – sharing:
♦ Kathy mentioned Denny’s grant for “Project Green Fleet” (handouts). Denny checked on retrofitting fleet
trucks with new filters that would reduce emissions by 60-90%. The Federal grant was applied for in April
and asked for diesel particulate matter filters to retrofit all City trucks (14 trucks) except Fire trucks, with a
cost of $8500 per truck. Initially, he asked for $220,000 grant from the EPA. He received a grant total of
$64,000 that will only fund 5 trucks at $8,500 each plus 8 crankcase filters at $1700 each. The crankcase
filters will also help reduce engine emissions. Asked also for $125,000 to totally replace a truck but that was
denied. He is resubmitting the request since the government allotted more money on October 6, 2009.
Total cost savings to City is $65,000 if all are retrofit. Did not look at retrofitting Fire trucks because it is
much more difficult to install the filters. Many school districts are also competing for the grant funds. We
don’t get a check. We take the trucks to a place specified by the EPA to get the retrofitting done and it is
paid for by the grant. We have two new trucks right now that already have this technology.
♦ Scott Merkley and Shannon Hansen attended a one-day annual Recycling Managers conference at the
University of Minnesota. Got a lot of really good information. Talked about the new compostable yard
waste bags that will be required beginning January 2010. There was discussion about the amounts of
pharmaceutical drugs that are being flushed down the toilet – how do we handle this waste? Concerns about
beverage containers that are being thrown away – especially in schools. How can we get more recycled?
This year is a new initiative of holiday light recycling. Wires are stripped and whatever can be reused will
be. Snyder’s Drug stores are the drop-off site for this recycling campaign and will be collected from
November 16 through January 3, 2010. This information will be put on our website. Scott will get the
agenda out to others next year for those who are interested in attending. Public Works is working with
Utility Billing to insert information about the compostable bags in upcoming utility bills.
♦ Clean-Up Day was October 10, 2009 at the Junior High School. Participation was very small. The weather
was terrible – cold with snow on the ground and windy. The amount of reusable things brought, however,
was up. The Vietnam Vets collected many reusable items. Electronic collections were way down – perhaps
because we are now charging for this service?
♦ Brian attended the International Code Council’s (ICC) National Code Hearing last week. A lot of
information and interest was about “green” building. Many cities are adopting the new ICC National
Green Building Standards as code.
♦ Clean-up, pruning around City Hall. (JV) Annual Green Gift Fair is November 21st. MN E3 Conference
is November 17th.
2. Meg McMonigal presented the University of MN Law School’s Zoning Improvement Project (ZIP). The
attached document describes the project. Wants St. Louis Park to be the city model about building being
more sustainable. The City is looking at what kinds of things can be done, especially in the residential areas
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 140
adjacent to commercial development. ZIP will be attending some staff meetings at the City of St. Louis
Park to help with ideas. Looking at streets with the perspective of all users – not just vehicles. Meg will
check with students to see if they would be able to attend the E-Group meeting. Please let her know of any
ideas you may have. They are trying to get more specific.
3. Subcommittee Report Back
a. Education
Update: Want to get information out to employees about green things to do. Talked about
outreach. Tried to do the MN Energy Challenge on Halloween but it wasn’t as effective as they
hoped.
b. MN Energy Challenge – Parkshores Senior Center will sponsor the workshop on November 11th.
Presentation on November 19th in the Council Chambers sponsored by the League of Women
Voters. Thanks to Lisa Songle, we have a contact at the Sr. Louis Park High School. Kathy passed
around the laptop for committee to sign up for the challenge, if they haven’t already. Edina is ahead
in the race. No connection made yet at Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School.
4. UpOnGreen. Discussion regarding potential city participation. See website: www.upongreen.com . We
used to give a Green Business Award but is has been discontinued. The website shows ways to build green.
It allows people to find out what businesses are doing for “green” work. It is a marketing tool for businesses.
Perhaps this could be promoted on our website. There will be a discussion next meeting on “Green
Businesses”. Could website creator come to meeting?
5. Mn GreenStep Cities Update – SLP has been selected as one of the five demonstration cities (See attached ).
Meetings have been set up for early December to discuss what this demonstration will entail. Only 11 cities
were considered.
6. Coming events
a. November 15th – America Recycles Day
b. League of Women Voters and the Center for Energy & Environment are sponsoring MN Energy
Challenge Workshop & Energy savings on Nov 11 at the Park Shores Senior Center and on
November 19th in the Council Chambers.
c. CITE will be sponsoring CEE’s presentation of the MN Energy Challenge on how to save money
and energy to staff at the upcoming brown bag lunch on December 3rd from Noon – 1:00 p.m. in
the Council Chambers.
7. Future Business – Ideas are welcome
Meetings and Note Taking Responsibilities:
December 14th, 2009 Kevin Locke
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 141
Zoning Improvement Project (ZIP) Project Assignment
Goal: The Zoning Improvement Project will result in suggested modifications for the City of St. Louis Park zoning
and subdivision regulations to better achieve sustainability goals. A report supporting the modifications will be
produced. The report will include: a description of general sustainability principles related to the modifications;
identification of specific sustainability concepts derived from the city vision, comprehensive plan, and other policies;
the connection between specific sustainability concepts and suggested regulatory modifications; draft regulatory
modifications; and a suggested process for adoption of the modifications including education of citizens.
The specific topical challenge will be how to integrate residential neighborhoods and commercial activities in a
sustainable manner. Some of the sustainability ideas that may apply are “complete streets”, active living, green
infrastructure, LEED-ND, and mixed-use districts/structures.
Because the time frame of the course is unlikely to result in final adoption of regulatory changes, students will also
follow the development and adoption of a wind energy ordinance in St. Louis Park. The wind energy ordinance is
under development and will be scheduled for public hearing during spring semester.
Project Partner: City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Primary Partner Contacts: Ms. Meg J. McMonigal, AICP
Planning and Zoning Supervisor
Community Development Dept.
952-924-2573
mmcmonigal@stlouispark.org
Mr. Kevin Locke, Director
Community Development Dept.
952-924-2580
klocke@stlouispark.org
Working Groups: Working groups of two students each will be created. Each group will choose a focus area related
to the one or more primary report sections. Research and writing of each group will focus on that section of the
report. Coordination will occur across groups in choosing one or more focus areas for suggested regulatory
modifications and groups will come together to draft suggested regulatory modifications. Contact with St. Louis
Park staff, appointed and elected officials and citizens will also be coordinated across groups in order to minimize
duplication of contacts. Choice of groups will be made following the November 18th class at which St. Louis Park
staff will present. Roundtable discussions will occur starting in December.
1. Initial Focus Area: Linking general sustainability principles to local land use regulations and identification of
specific sustainability concepts derived from the city vision, comprehensive plan, and other policies
a. What general sustainability principles apply best to land use decisions?
b. What Minnesota state-level sustainability principles apply to local government?
c. Are there Minnesota laws that apply to local sustainability decisions in general, not specific to land
use regulations? Can these relate to local land use decisions?
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 142
d. How do Minnesota statutes authorizing local land use decisions support, or not support,
incorporating sustainability concepts in local ordinances?
e. Are there legal obstacles or limits to local governments modifying land use ordinances for
sustainability?
f. How do the city documents support sustainability concepts?
g. How do these concepts relate to land use ordinances and the specific topic of integrating residential
neighborhoods and commercial activities in a sustainable manner?
2. Initial Focus Area: Identification of sustainable land use ordinance techniques to implement the specific
topic of integrating residential neighborhoods and commercial activities
a. What are sustainability issues related to the specific topic?
b. What will sustainable integration of these uses look like 25 or 50 years from now?
c. What specific techniques can be used in land use ordinances to sustainably integrate residential
neighborhoods and commercial activities?
d. What barriers are there in St. Louis Park to achieving sustainable integration of these uses?
e. What techniques can overcome these barriers?
3. Initial Focus Area: Suggested process for adoption of the modifications and education of citizens
a. What are city goals for educating citizens on ordinance modifications?
b. What are city goals for citizen involvement in ordinance adoption?
c. What are minimum Minnesota legal requirements for adoption of ordinance modifications? What
requirements to other states have for ordinance adoption?
d. What are best practices for citizen involvement in ordinance changes?
e. What are the barriers to citizen involvement? How can these barriers be addressed?
f. What are costs and staffing needs necessary for implementing best practices v. minimum
requirements?
Combined Focus Area: Connection between specific sustainability concepts and suggested regulatory modifications;
and drafting regulatory modifications
a. What specific changes to ordinance language are necessary to implement the chosen sustainability
policy?
b. How do the vision, comprehensive plan, and other policies support the suggested changes?
c. What are potential costs to city, developer, citizens of the ordinance change?
d. What are potential benefits to city, developer, citizens of the ordinance change?
Project Timeline :
November 18: Project kick-off with presentation by St. Louis Park staff
November 23: Work groups formed
December 2: Identification of issues to be researched by each initial work group
December 8: Identification of types of local people to interview by each initial work group
January 30: Draft report of findings on issues and results of interviews of initial work groups
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 143
February 3: Begin combined focus area work
February 24: Draft ordinance revisions
March 15: Final ordinance revisions
March 30: PowerPoint on suggested regulatory changes and scheduled presentation to policy-makers
April 15: Final report
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 144
E GROUP AGENDA
December 14, 2009
10 -11am
Westwood Room
Members: Jim Vaughan, Kathy Larsen, Brenda Nelson, Brian Hoffman, Cary Smith, Cindy Walsh,
Dennis Millerand, Jamie Zwilling, Kevin Locke, Laura Adler, Lisa Songle, Manny Camilon, Mark
Oestreich, Marcia Honald, Marney Olson, Nancy Gohman, Scott Anderson, Scott Brink, Scott
Merkley
Note taker for December meeting – Kevin L
1. Introductions – sharing including City Award for 2009 Bike Walk Week
2. Presentation by Sheila Wiles, Territory Development Manager, Office Depot Business
Solutions Division
3. Subcommittee Update
a. Education
b. Create MN Green Step Cities – Best Management Practices Subcommittee
i. Update on MN Green Step Cities Demonstration Project –see attachments
ii. Need for Subcommittee to determine which BMP city desires measured and
tracked by Green Step Cities.
4. Future Business – Bridget G will be facilitating a process for E Group’s strategic planning at
our January and February mtgs.
5. Coming events
Meetings and Note Taking Responsibilities:
November 9th, 2009 Scott Merkley
December 14th, 2009 Kevin Locke
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 145
E-GROUP MINUTES
December 14, 2009
10:00 -11:00 a.m.
Westwood Room
Members Present: Jim Vaughan, Kathy Larsen, Brian Hoffman, Cindy Walsh, Dennis Millerand, Jamie Zwilling,
Kevin Locke, Laura Adler, Lisa Songle, Mark Oestreich, Marcia Honald, Marney Olson, Scott Brink and Scott
Merkley.
Note taker for this meeting – Kevin Locke.
1. Introductions – sharing:
a. Kathy shared that we were awarded a Workplace Team Champions certificate recognizing our 17
participants and 7% participation rate in the Twin Cities Bike Walk Week event last May. That put
St. Louis Park in 10th place in our category.
b. Brian Hoffman reported we now have LED lights for the city hall parking lot lighting; energy usage
is reduced by more than half. The issue of LED lights inability to melt the snow was discussed and
Scott Merkley will follow-up.
c. Merkley reported ongoing educational outreach efforts. Topics covered at the SLP schools and in
the community included education on water, snow removal, the use of compostable yard waste bags,
encouraging use of containers for yard waste and the benefits of roundabouts.
d. Merkley also reported on recycling of holiday light strands; and, that there would be holiday tree
collection over the first 2 weeks of January.
e. Kathy reported about the program of Energy Saver rebates through MHFA loans – 35% rebates
available; federal rebate of 15% is also available; the city is tying the rebate program to our discount
loan program and promoting it through mailers. Federal Stimulus and energy efficiency money is the
source of funding. The maximum loan is $35,000, available on a first come first serve basis.
f. Marsha shared that she will be leaving employment with the City as of the end of the year.
g. Jim Vaughan shared that recycling boxes are being placed around the city for e-waste (printer
cartridges and small electronics like cell phones and I-pods). Marney will check on the connection
or potential connection between this program and the PD’s collection of cell phones for reuse.
h. Jim Vaughan reported recycling in parks seems to have leveled off from a peak in 2007. Looking for
ideas for how to increase park user recycling.
i. Question about whether the recycling bins in conference bins are for everything recyclable – they
are, was discussed. Facilities staff sorts the materials from the recycling bins.
2. Presentation by Sheila Wiles, Territory Development Manager, Office Depot Business Solutions Division
a. Sheila provided green reuseable bags with catalogs that identified green products for everyone.
b. Office Depot has integrated its Green products with the US communities purchasing program
catalog. This info is available on line.
c. Sheila asked what is the best method for getting this info to the people that purchase supplies. The
Egroup said they will share the info with the City staff that do the buying.
d. Sheila also sends out a green product newsletter if anyone is interested.
e. Sheila showed an analysis of what we are actually buying and the percent “green”. Our purchasing
from Office Depot is 18.2 % “green” currently. She felt there was lots of room for improvement.
f. We don’t buy our paper from office Depot.
g. Marsha asked if you can tell which materials are Green when you are in the store. Sheila said not
currently.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 146
h. Kathy asked if Sheila’s analysis shows the comparative cost between buying the green rather than
standard versions. Sheila noted that items bought off the US Communities list are deeply discounted
prices.
3. Subcommittee Report Back
a. Most of the educational subcommittee activities were reported in the “sharing” section of the
meeting.
b. Jamie reported on doing green office/home tips for staff – in city notes. Among them were,
i. avoid using aerosols
ii. use solar calculators
iii. how to be greener commuting
iv. reduce your use of elevators
c. Jim Vaughan reported talking to math classes about invasive species and their exponential growth.
d. The speakers bureau with the schools is working well – positive feedback on Scott Anderson’s
speaking to students
4. MN Green Step Cities Pilot program Update –
a. The program focuses on Best Management Practices (BMPS)
b. Jim, Kathy, Cindy, Kevin met with the pilot program coordinator
c. pilot program getting ready to kick off in January
d. each of the 5 participating cities will focus on the BMPS they think are most important.
e. MPCA hopes to roll out the full Green Steps program at the LMC conference in June 2010
f. Green Steps updates should be a regular element of our agendas.
g. Eventually we will put info on the program on our webpage – as yet the City Council has not passed
the resolution – once that happens we will put the program on our webpage
5. Future Business – Bridget Gothberg will be facilitating a process for E Group’s strategic planning at our
January and February meetings, Jim and Kathy explained. The Egroup has been in place for a year it is time
to review and think about future goals and plans; and, how to go beyond our initial WIGs
a. January 11th – meeting with Bridget for strategic plan
6. Other –
a. Marney asked if we could share our purchasing research info between departments so that we don’t
duplicate efforts.
b. Jamie said he thought IR was looking into green purchasing options and the evaluation of the costs
and savings.
c. There maybe an opportunity to save money and energy consumed in deliveries by coordinating
purchasing. JV will check with Brenda to see what might be possible to coordinate purchasing.
Meeting adjourned at 10:57 by Jim Vaughn – well done! Mr. Timely!
Meetings and Note Taking Responsibilities:
January 11, 2010 -
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 147
Zoning Improvement Project (ZIP) Project Assignment
Goal: The Zoning Improvement Project will result in suggested modifications for the City of St. Louis Park zoning
and subdivision regulations to better achieve sustainability goals. A report supporting the modifications will be
produced. The report will include: a description of general sustainability principles related to the modifications;
identification of specific sustainability concepts derived from the city vision, comprehensive plan, and other policies;
the connection between specific sustainability concepts and suggested regulatory modifications; draft regulatory
modifications; and a suggested process for adoption of the modifications including education of citizens.
The specific topical challenge will be how to integrate residential neighborhoods and commercial activities in a
sustainable manner. Some of the sustainability ideas that may apply are “complete streets”, active living, green
infrastructure, LEED-ND, and mixed-use districts/structures.
Because the time frame of the course is unlikely to result in final adoption of regulatory changes, students will also
follow the development and adoption of a wind energy ordinance in St. Louis Park. The wind energy ordinance is
under development and will be scheduled for public hearing during spring semester.
Project Partner: City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Primary Partner Contacts: Ms. Meg J. McMonigal, AICP
Planning and Zoning Supervisor
Community Development Dept.
952-924-2573
mmcmonigal@stlouispark.org
Mr. Kevin Locke, Director
Community Development Dept.
952-924-2580
klocke@stlouispark.org
Working Groups: Working groups of two students each will be created. Each group will choose a focus area related
to the one or more primary report sections. Research and writing of each group will focus on that section of the
report. Coordination will occur across groups in choosing one or more focus areas for suggested regulatory
modifications and groups will come together to draft suggested regulatory modifications. Contact with St. Louis
Park staff, appointed and elected officials and citizens will also be coordinated across groups in order to minimize
duplication of contacts. Choice of groups will be made following the November 18th class at which St. Louis Park
staff will present. Roundtable discussions will occur starting in December.
1. Initial Focus Area: Linking general sustainability principles to local land use regulations and identification of
specific sustainability concepts derived from the city vision, comprehensive plan, and other policies
a. What general sustainability principles apply best to land use decisions?
b. What Minnesota state-level sustainability principles apply to local government?
c. Are there Minnesota laws that apply to local sustainability decisions in general, not specific to land
use regulations? Can these relate to local land use decisions?
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 148
d. How do Minnesota statutes authorizing local land use decisions support, or not support,
incorporating sustainability concepts in local ordinances?
e. Are there legal obstacles or limits to local governments modifying land use ordinances for
sustainability?
f. How do the city documents support sustainability concepts?
g. How do these concepts relate to land use ordinances and the specific topic of integrating residential
neighborhoods and commercial activities in a sustainable manner?
2. Initial Focus Area: Identification of sustainable land use ordinance techniques to implement the specific
topic of integrating residential neighborhoods and commercial activities
a. What are sustainability issues related to the specific topic?
b. What will sustainable integration of these uses look like 25 or 50 years from now?
c. What specific techniques can be used in land use ordinances to sustainably integrate residential
neighborhoods and commercial activities?
d. What barriers are there in St. Louis Park to achieving sustainable integration of these uses?
e. What techniques can overcome these barriers?
3. Initial Focus Area: Suggested process for adoption of the modifications and education of citizens
a. What are city goals for educating citizens on ordinance modifications?
b. What are city goals for citizen involvement in ordinance adoption?
c. What are minimum Minnesota legal requirements for adoption of ordinance modifications? What
requirements to other states have for ordinance adoption?
d. What are best practices for citizen involvement in ordinance changes?
e. What are the barriers to citizen involvement? How can these barriers be addressed?
f. What are costs and staffing needs necessary for implementing best practices v. minimum
requirements?
Combined Focus Area: Connection between specific sustainability concepts and suggested regulatory modifications;
and drafting regulatory modifications
a. What specific changes to ordinance language are necessary to implement the chosen sustainability
policy?
b. How do the vision, comprehensive plan, and other policies support the suggested changes?
c. What are potential costs to city, developer, citizens of the ordinance change?
d. What are potential benefits to city, developer, citizens of the ordinance change?
Project Timeline :
November 18: Project kick-off with presentation by St. Louis Park staff
November 23: Work groups formed
December 2: Identification of issues to be researched by each initial work group
December 8: Identification of types of local people to interview by each initial work group
January 30: Draft report of findings on issues and results of interviews of initial work groups
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 149
February 3: Begin combined focus area work
February 24: Draft ordinance revisions
March 15: Final ordinance revisions
March 30: PowerPoint on suggested regulatory changes and scheduled presentation to policy-makers
April 15: Final report
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 150
E GROUP AGENDA
February 8, 2010
Westwood Room
Not Available
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 151
E-GROUP MINUTES
February 8, 2010
10:00 -11:00 a.m.
Westwood Room
Members Present: Jim Vaughan, Kathy Larsen, Brian Hoffman, Cindy Walsh, Dennis Millerbernd,
Jamie Zwilling, Laura Adler, Lisa Songle, Mark Oestreich, Marney Olson, Scott Brink and Scott
Merkley.
Guests: Bridget Gothberg
Notetaker for meeting – Lisa Songle
1. Introductions – Sharing:
Marney Olson informed E-Group that based on Office Depot presentation, Police
Department has moved to 30% recycled content paper. However, they were disappointed to
learn that City did study a year and a half ago and moved to 100% recycled paper.
Kathy Larsen informed group that the Green Building Policy was brought to Council, a few
tweaks will be made and then back to Council for approval.
Ann Boettcher informed group that individuals in their department attended a Green Building
seminar as it related to the building code and that information will be made available to all in
their department.
Shannon Hansen informed the group about the appliance rebate program available. New
appliances that meet Energy Star guidelines have stronger rebates available to homeowners.
It’s a Cash for Appliances – stimulus fund program.
Jim Vaughan informed group that an Emerald Ash Borer plan was being brought forth to
council recommending a 5% removal rate per year, which would take 16 years and discussing
the removal of perceived healthy trees. Replanting as well is built in to the program.
A sale on compost and rain barrels is taking place through Recycle Minnesota.
A Clean Energy Financing Tools for Government Conference is being hosted by LMC.
It was requested that the Beautify the Park initiative, Arbor Day, Bookmark in the Park events
are underway and need to be on the next E-Group agenda for discussion.
On April 17 a canoe ride will take place from the Knollwood Canoe landing for
commissioners.
There is a Rain Garden Workshop on April 8th at the Rec Center and on May 1 a rain barrel
workshop.
The Home remodeling Fair is February 28.
There was discussion about various collection boxes in the city and it was mentioned that an
article was in the Park Perspective and information is on the website.
2. Compost Ordinance Revisions:
Shannon Hansen presented to the group.the portion of the solid waste management code that is
being revised regarding the management of waste. She indicated the ordinance did not allow for
food scrapes. The revised version will. She indicated that city staff along with the city attorney have
reviewed and it will be presented to Council shortly. She encouraged this group to review the
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 152
revisions and provide any input to Shannon. She indicated that was a resident demand and that
other cities are doing it. It will require a public hearing process and it is anticipated that it will be
completed by spring.
3. Strategic Planning and WIGS
Bridget Gothberg continued the discussion on E-Group Strategic Planning and WIGS.
External WIG -- Energy Challenge – The group decided to stay with this program for its internal
WIG for the next year and to put a plan in place to reach the goal of 1,000 families.
Internal WIG – Communications Plan – It was discuss that the group should work to put a
communications plan in place for all the various things that go on throughout the city.
Examples:
Integrate with Green Step Cities program
Develop E-Note providing environmental hints, education, etc. and ensure this information is
shared with departments through their representatives. The group is already doing a majority of this
work and we just have to make sure everything matches.
How can we better coordinate efforts/initiatives among all the various internal groups -- CITE,
Benefits Committee, Outreach, E-Group. We need to develop a standard instead of always
reinventing the wheel and keep it rolling along.
It was suggested that department representatives request a permanent spot on their department’s
agenda to ensuring information is being communicated.
It was suggested to put together a subcommittee for combined purchase ordering, building an
internal resource guide (who has what and will share), and tips on where to purchase.
Green Steps is finalizing 5 best practices for the 5 different pilot cities. They will be presented and
then cities will weights in -- deadline June or July 2010. Report back to E-Group in March.
Green Building Policy – how to communicate internally and externally.
4. Future Business – Ideas are welcome
Next Meeting and Note Taking Responsibilities:
March 8, 2010 Laura Adler, Scott Brink Back-Up
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 153
E GROUP AGENDA
April 12, 2010
Westwood Room
Not Available
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 154
E-GROUP MINUTES
April 12, 2010
10:00 -11:00 a.m.
Westwood Room
Members Present: Jim Vaughan, Kathy Larsen, Cindy Walsh, Mark Oestreich, Marney Olson, Scott
Brink, Scott Merkley, Ann Boettcher, Sean Walther and Kevin Locke.
Note taker for April Meeting, Scott Anderson
1. Sharing
Jim V.
• Eagle Scout projects, boardwalk, tree planting, and pond shoreline cleanup
• Talks at Peter Hobart on Urban Forestry
• Metro Blooms at Rec Center April 17, 60 residents signed up
• Annual Storm Water meeting, April 15 at City Hall
Mark O.
• Eagle Scout projects, tower for chimney sweeps at Nature Center and plans for one
at Aquila
2. Active Living Update – Sean Walther
a. Mayor Jacobs and Commissioner Dorfman co-chair AL initiative
b. Wide variety of cities participating
c. Subcommittees have been formed
i. Policy, Multicultural, Communication, Mentoring, and Programs
d. St. Louis Park has put together an action plan on what City is already doing to
promote AL, Sean thanks those that contributed
e. City is obligated to sponsor one annual promotional event
f. AL next steps: get group of champions together from city departments to draft a
City Policy
g. Sean is working on grants for bike racks, he will coordinate with Park & Rec and
SLP schools
h. City has a bike parking policy of 1 bike stall for every 10 vehicle stalls
i. Sean would like to have a bike page on web page
j. CITE presentation May 12, Bicycle Traffic Skills 101, Urban Biking
3. Subcommittee Updates
a. Beautify the Park Update
i. Creekside Park Saturday, April 17
ii. Earth Day & Arbor Day, Saturday, April 24 will strive to be a ZERO waste
event.
iii. Several neighborhoods are participating in Beautify the Park
iv. Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah K. has about 900 people signed up to pick up
the Park.
v. Volunteers are planting about 35 gardens in the Park this year
vi. Several neighborhoods have adopted their park
b. Education
i. No formal subcommittee meetings
ii. SITING of cougar at 394 by Nature Center, search of center—No lion
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 155
iii. Jim V. getting many calls from schools for presentations
iv. Scott has adapted his water talks to new UB program
c. MN Energy Challenge
i. Karen A. is working with Benilde and SLP Sr. High to train students in
Energy Challenge to cover some city and schools events
ii. New cards created for neighborhoods
iii. Kiosk at Home Remodeling Fair
4. GreenStep Cities update
a. City is continuing to pursue the Green Step initiative
b. Possible to get grant to conduct carbon footprint of City
5. Future Business – Ideas are welcome
a. Purchase Green initiative, short discussion on how to get all purchasers on the same
page, possible email with green purchases. To be continued.
Meetings and Note Taking Responsibilities:
January 11th, 2010 Brian Hoffman
February 8th, 2010 Nancy Gohman (Lisa taking this spot)
March 8th, 2010 Scott Brink
April 12th, 2010 Scott Anderson
May Jamie
June Cindy
July Cary
Aug Marney
September Mark
Oct Dennis
Nov Scott M
Dec Kevin
Up
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 156
E GROUP AGENDA
May 10, 2010
10 -11am
Westwood Room
Members: Jim Vaughan, Kathy Larsen, Brian Hoffman, Cary Smith, Cindy Walsh, Dennis
Millerand, Jamie Zwilling, Kevin Locke, Laura Adler, Mark Oestreich, Marney Olson, Scott
Anderson, Scott Brink, Scott Merkley, Cory Bultema, Tricia Wegner-Koense
Note taker for May Meeting, Jamie Z.
1. Sharing
2. Future Events: Tying in activities (biking to work program- see attachment, Way2go, Ali’s
programs, Active living, Step to it, et al) that we should be promoting and anticipating.
3. Subcommittee Updates
a. Beautify the Park Update
b. Education
c. Mn Energy Challenge
d. GreenStep Cities update
4. Purchase Green initiative, short discussion on how to get all purchasers on the same page,
possible email with green purchases. To be continued.
5. Future Business – Ideas are welcome
Meetings and Note Taking Responsibilities:
January 11th, 2010 Brian Hoffman
February 8th, 2010
March 8th, 2010 Scott Brink
April 12th, 2010 Scott Anderson
May Jamie
June Tricia
July Cindy
July Cary
Aug Marney
September Mark
Oct Dennis
Nov Scott M
Dec Kevin
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 157
Brown Bag lunch speaker to encourage employee participation in the City of St. Louis Park’s
Bike Walk Week team (June 5-11).
Date: Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Time: 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m.
Location: City Hall City Council Chambers
Speaker: David Petersen
Description: This presentation will teach the skills you need to use your bicycle for more of your
trips, especially those that are under a mile. Participants will learn about riding a bicycle as a vehicle,
safety, basic maintenance, riding comfort, and tips for getting around St. Louis Park. Join fellow St.
Louis Park city staff and learn about how to become part of the wave of cycling in the Twin Cities
region.
The course is taught by the Bike Walk Ambassador Program – city of Minneapolis staff that provide
education and outreach resources to encourage bicycling in Minneapolis and adjacent communities.
Ambassadors are League Certified Instructors with the League of American Bicyclists.
Can’t attend? For ideas of how to get around Happier, Healthier, Cheaper, and Greener visit
www.bikewalkweek.org.
Sean Walther, AICP
Senior Planner
5005 Minnetonka Blvd
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
(952) 924-2574
swalther@stlouispark.org
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 158
E-GROUP MINUTES
May 10, 2010
10:00 -11:00 a.m.
Westwood Room
Members Present: Jim Vaughan, Kathy Larsen, Mark Oestreich, Marney Olson, Brian Hoffman,
Scott Merkley, Scott Anderson, and Tricia Wegner-Koense.
Note taker for June Meeting: Cindy Walsh
1. Sharing
Mark O.
• Beavers have moved into WWNC
Brian H.
• May apply for a grant to retrofit existing parts of MSC to high-efficiency Fluorescent
bulbs; Rec Center also needs to be retrofit and may be part of the grant application
Jim V.
• West Metro Sustainability Alliance Roundtable was not well attended
• Metro Cert program meets with communities to help them become greener and
more sustainable
• There is a group concerned with the water levels in Bass Lake that met with Jim,
Scott A., and councilmember Anne Mavity. The state has had 8 years of drought, so
lakes are all low.
Scott A.
• The EPA contacted him regarding energy usage to pump at the Reilly site. Stay
tuned, as pumping may no longer be needed.
2. Future Events
a. CITE brown bag event Wednesday, May 12 regarding biking in the metro area
b. Step to It starts Monday, May 17
c. Bike/Walk to Work Week June 7 – 11
d. Hennepin County Household Hazardous Waste collection June 10 – 12, with City
collection times on June 12
e. Fire Open House June 15
3. Subcommittee Updates
a. Beautify the Park Update
i. Earth Day/Arbor Day event planted around 240 trees
ii. General Mills volunteers worked at WWNC planting trees and pulling
buckthorn
iii. Rotary, Tree Trust, and an Eagle Scout all planted trees
iv. Over 100 people participated in the Minnehaha Creek cleanup at the
Knollwood canoe launch
v. About 125 Jr. High students will do a service project in the near future at
WWNC
vi. Target and Aveda have both expressed an interest in having their employees
volunteer in the City
vii. Girl Scout troops will be working to paint fire hydrants
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 159
viii. Next year, try to incorporate employee volunteers with groups from
corporations
b. Education
i. WWNC trail map is complete and should be available starting this week
ii. Signage at WWNC is being redesigned by Misty Lewis of the Cable TV
department
iii. Schools are on track for IB, and programs are on pause for now
c. MN Energy Challenge
i. Looking for a group to attend the Ice Cream Social; may be the League of
Women Voters
ii. Not many additional residents signed up after the home tour
d. GreenStep Cities
i. 5 Demo cities received a draft copy of a Land Use and Planning report
designed to help them determine their carbon footprint from both
transportation and utility usage citywide: residents, businesses, etc.
ii. Survey would cost around $9000, if the city applies for the local govt energy
renovation grant, this could be included.
iii. Data needed for 2008 & 2009 from Excel, CenterPoint, solid waste &
recycling haulers.
4. Purchase Green inititiative moved to June meeting
5. Future Business – Ideas are welcome
Meetings and Note Taking Responsibilities:
January 11th, 2010 Brian Hoffman
February 8th, 2010 Nancy Gohman (Lisa taking this spot)
March 8th, 2010 Scott Brink
April 12th, 2010 Scott Anderson
May 10th, 2010 Tricia Wegner-Koense
June Cindy
July Cary
Aug Marney
September Mark
Oct Dennis
Nov Scott M
Dec Kevin
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 160
E GROUP AGENDA
June 21, 2010
10:00-10:45am
Westwood Room
Members: Jim Vaughan, Kathy Larsen, Brian Hoffman, Cary Smith, Cindy Walsh, Dennis
Millerand, Jamie Zwilling, Kevin Locke, Laura Adler, Mark Oestreich, Marney Olson, Scott
Anderson, Scott Brink, Scott Merkley, Cory Bultema, Tricia Wegner-Koense
Note taker for June Meeting – Jamie Z
1. Environmental Update to Council – Attached draft staff report for discussion
2. GreenStep Cities Updates
a. GreenStep Program Requirements – see attachment
b. CO2 baseline assessment – see ULI Contract attachment
c. ICLEI membership provides access to software for the ULI consultant to calculate
carbon emissions for cities.
i. ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability is an international association
of local governments as well as national and regional local government
organizations who have made a commitment to sustainable development. ICLEI
provides technical consulting, training, and information services to build
capacity, share knowledge, and support local government in the implementation
of sustainable development at the local level.
ii. There are 10 cities in MN: Mpls, St. Paul, Edina, Golden Valley, Duluth,
Roseville, Mahtamedi, Mankato, Oakdale and Virginia
iii. Membership requires application, resolution and $600 annual fee. Sample
resolution attached.
3. Mn GreenCorps Host Site Application – Discussion about pursuing interns.
4. Sharing if time allows
Meetings and Note Taking Responsibilities:
January 11th, 2010 Brian Hoffman
February 8th, 2010
March 8th, 2010 Scott Brink
April 12th, 2010 Scott Anderson
May Jamie
June Tricia
July Cindy
July Cary
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 161
Aug Marney
September Mark
Oct Dennis
Nov Scott M
Dec Kevin
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 162
A (small) B C (large)
1 Efficient Existing Public Buildings Required Required
2 Efficient Existing Private Buildings
3 New Green Buildings
4 Efficient Building & Street Lighting and Signals
5 Building Reuse
Total BPs Required 122
6 Comprehensive Planning and Implementation Required Required Required
7 Higher Density
8 Efficient and Healthy Development Patterns
9 Efficient Highway‐Oriented Development
10 Conservation Design
Total BPs Required 122
11 Complete Green Streets Required
12 Mobility Options Required
13 Efficient City Fleets
14 Demand‐Side Travel Planning
Total BPs Required 112
15 Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Required Required Required
16 Urban Forests Required Required
17 Efficient Stormwater Management Required
18 Green Infrastructure
19 Surface Water Quality
20 Efficient Water and Wastewater Facilities
21 Septic Systems
22 Solid Waste Reduction
23 Local Air Quality
Total BPs Required 134
24 Benchmarks & Community Engagement Required Required Required
25 Green Business Development Required Required
26 Renewable Energy
27 Local Food
28 Business Synergies
Total BPs Required 123
322
81215Total BPs Required (including floating)
City Category
TransportationEnvironmental ManagementEconomic & Community DevelopmentBuildings & LightingFloating BPs (additional to required BPs)
GreenStep Program Requirements
Land UseStudy Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 163
E-GROUP MINUTES
June 21, 2010
10:00 -11:00 a.m.
Westwood Room
Members Present: Jim Vaughan, Kathy Larsen, Mark Oestreich, Ann Boettcher, Cindy Walsh, Scott
Merkley, Marney Olson, Jamie Zwilling, Cory Bultema, Scott Anderson, Brian Hoffman, Tricia
Wegner-Koense and Laura Adler.
Special Guest: Nancy Gohman
Note taker for meeting – Jamie Zwilling
1. Environmental Update to Council
• Nancy Gohman attended the meeting to update the group on a planned report for the
council on environmental activities. Council members Mavity and Sanger requested a report
showing the direction environmental initiatives have taken since the vision process. They
may want to explore whether the city needs focus groups, a task force, etc.
• The approach of the report is to revisit all that has been done through logging and data
reporting. Nancy has put the materials together in an executive summary that includes
reports, digests items, neighborhood, volunteer, communication information, and more.
• Nancy said once the council sees the data, they may ask to have some staff come in to talk
about the various areas. It was noted by Nancy that the e-Group and many others were
heavily involved in all of the areas appearing in the report.
• Kathy Larsen noted that we have done so much that it is difficult to put together a report
without it being long and in depth like the current draft. She thought the report did a really
good job of providing the information.
• Nancy asked if there was anything missing from the report.
• It was suggested that the report also include information about environmental activities that
we touch versus activities that another organization might be responsible for such as the
MPCA, EPA, etc. It was agreed by the group that this would be good background for
council members.
• Cindy Walsh noted that the council and others get confused by the roles and suggested that
even including what our regulatory roles are, others’ roles, mission of the other organizations,
etc.
• Mark Oestreich said he would provide some additional information about Westwood and its
role in environmental activities.
• Jim Vaughan said he would provide Nancy with some specifics about e-Group initiatives and
main objectives.
• Nancy asked that info or questions be directed to her.
• The report is expected to go to Council sometime in July.
2. GreenStep Cities Updates
• The kickoff for the GreenStep Cities is being held this week at the LMC conference.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 164
• Cities participating in the pilot were ranked in best management categories. We’re in “B”,
already meeting many of the requirements the program will expect from participants.
• We’re not officially in the program yet. Should we apply?
• There are three tiers and we’d be required to choose some long-term goals and keep updating
as we go along.
• Kathy indicated that the program really tries to match up with state mandates that are in
place or coming soon. It’s a pathway to help achieve those goals.
• Jim and Kathy went through and decided we’re already qualifying in most of the categories.
• So the question is what the incentive? Will it help with grants? Points toward Grants? Kathy
said that has not yet been determined.
• Next steps: Check in with Tom and council about moving forward. The online application
will be available soon.
CO2 baseline assessment & ICLEI membership
• It’s basically a pilot within a pilot program that would enable the city to use tools for
measurement and tracking of the city’s carbon footprint (the city as an organization and
all of the households/businesses in the community.
• It costs $9,000 and Tom is on board with the idea of further study or recommendations
on participating.
• To have access to the assessment, the city would have to join ICLEI. We could do the
study and then drop out of ICLEI.
• A big question is where the council stands on the issue. Part of joining ICLEI involves
the council passing a resolution. The draft resolution provided clearly discusses some
significant political issues such as climate change.
• Could do the study and then drop out if desired
• You must join to get the software
• Went around the room and the consensus was that this would be a positive opportunity
for the city, however, there were concerns about the political nature of the resolution that
would need to be adopted;
• There was also discussion about what we’d be measuring for the carbon footprint, how
we’d set goals, etc.
• It was discussed that we need to take to council and get their feedback before investing
too much staff time.
• Kathy was going to look to see how much the resolution could be changed and still meet
requirements.
3. MN GreenCorps Host Site Application
• 2nd year for GreenCorps host site sponsoring interns. We did not apply last year.
• Program provides Americorps volunteers free of charge; they would need supervision
• Some areas where we could use interns include storm water sampling, green infrastructures,
EAB.
• Scott A. was going to get director approval from Mike; Cindy endorsed the plan and Scott A.
and Jim V. would work together on the application.
4. Sharing
• Tree Trust folks started their annual work
• EcoFair at Parktacular was a huge success
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 165
E GROUP AGENDA
July 12, 2010
10:00-11:00am
Westwood Room
Members: Jim Vaughan, Kathy Larsen, Brian Hoffman, Cary Smith, Cindy Walsh, Dennis
Millerand, Jamie Zwilling, Kevin Locke, Laura Adler, Mark Oestreich, Marney Olson, Scott
Anderson, Scott Brink, Scott Merkley, Cory Bultema, Tricia Wegner-Koense
Note taker for June Meeting – Cindy W
1. Carbon baseline assessment follow-up
a. Rick Carter, LHB and Michael Orange will discuss CO2 baseline assessment for SLP
community.
b. ICLEI resolution. Attached is a modified resolution based on E Group’s comments.
ICLEI encourages local modifications and has expressed acceptance of this modified
resolution.
c. ICLEI software has capability of converting Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) and waste
management tonnage to green house gas emissions.
2. Updates
a. GreenStep Cities – see attachment
b. Green Corp Host Site Application by Jim
3. U of M Environmental Science Major’s Student Capstone Project
4. Sharing
Tricia is unable to attended and has provided attached info on Solar Energy financing through
PACE
Meetings and Note Taking Responsibilities:
July Cindy
July Cary
Aug Marney
September Mark
Oct Dennis
Nov Scott M
Dec Kevin
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 166
I'm forwarding an e-mail I received from Lola Schoenrich at the Great Plains Institute related to
a grant they've applied for to support GreenStep Cities. This is a competitive process which
appears to be determined through a Walmart employee voting process. I'm forwarding as an FYI,
and for you to check-out the one minute video posted of Apple Valley Mayor Mary Hamann-
Roland speaking about GreenStep Cities.
Thank you!
Kristina
GreenStep folks,
Read below for an announcement about the Walmart Associate Choice program. GPI is
competing for a $100,000 grant, and we identified GreenStep Cities as the program that we’d
fund if we won the grant. That would help to pay for awards to cities, technical assistance, our
time.
We’ve developed a web page for Walmart Associates and would appreciate it if you’d pass the
word to anyone that you know who works for Walmart in MN. The only way we could hope to
win is through social media and making connections with people who spread the word (Diana,
who do you know?) GreenStep Cities fits right in with the Walmart sustainability work. We’ve
used what we could find of their market research, with the thought that no one is better at selling
things.
We also developed a short 1 minute video on GreenStep Cities, featuring Mayor Mary from
Apple Valley. Check it out at http://www.gpisd.net/greenstepcities I hope that we can find
other homes for it after this Walmart competition. (minus the pitch to Walmart employees, of
course). Is there a place for it on the GreenStep webpage? Or on the League web page?
CERTs? See what you think. We’ll be using it for the Walmart program until mid August, but
that needn’t stop us from using it in other ways right away.
The competitors are: American Red Cross Minnesota Chapter; Hunger Solutions Minnesota;
Minnesota Teen Challenge;Special Olympics Minnesota
The Walmart associates’ voting starts today. To make the case for why Great Plains Institute
is the best choice for Minnesota, we selected GreenStep Cities as the recipient program.
GreenStep Cities is a pilot program that has created a series of smart, simple best practices
that communities can implement to help their residents make more sustainable lifestyle
choices, making it easier for people to use less water and energy, recycle more, and choose
walking and biking for transportation whenever possible. They’re designed for use by city
planning commissions—in fact, five cities around the state are already using them, with another
six that have resolutions pending in their city governments. The purpose of GreenStep Cities
resonates perfectly with Walmart’s sustainability goals, which are geared toward helping their
associates make healthier lifestyle choices—recycling more, losing weight, using less water and
energy—and thereby associating sustainability with a higher quality of life.
You can learn more about GreenStep Cities here: http://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 167
E-Group Minutes
July 12, 2010
Members present: Jim Vaughan, Kathy Larsen, Brian Hoffman, Cindy Walsh, Jamie
Zwilling, Laura Adler, Mark Oestreich, Marney Olson, Scott Anderson, Scott Brink,
Scott Merkley
Members absent: Cary Smith, Dennis Millerbernd, Cory Bultema, Tricia Wegner-Koense
Minutes taken by: Cindy Walsh
Meeting started at 10:00 a.m, and ended at 11:05
1. Carbon baseline assessment
a. Rick Carter, architect from LHB, was present to discuss what the carbon
baseline assessment would mean to the City of St. Louis Park.
- There are 4 LEED categories that are measured for carbon footprint(Energy,
Water, Waste, Transit).
- Energy is measured in KBTU per square foot. It is the actual use of energy (like
miles per gallon). It can be measured and compared to other buildings.
Each building would be measured. The goal would be to decrease the energy
consumption which would be seen as numbers lower from year to year. City wide
numbers would be used from 2008 and 2009. The KBTU’s would be measured in
all buildings. The whole community measurement will be made – residential and
all commercial.
- It is fairly easy to measure energy, water, and waste. The transportation piece
is a bit more difficult.
What is the value of doing a carbon footprint? It is to make sure the best practice
steps are moving you in the right direction. (note: Scott Anderson used a big word
here: Interpolate). We need to change behavior and reduce consumption. And
this will be an informational tool as well.
b. ICLEI resolution
Kathy Larsen rewrote the resolution. The benefit to joining is that we get
access to the software that allows us to do our calculations on carbon
footprint.
*** All E-Group members except one were in favor of moving forward with
recommending to Tom Harmening that we join ICLEI for access to the
software and then proceed with measuring our carbon footprint. At this time,
there are some possibilities for outside funding. Nothing is definite. The
study and joining ICLEI would cost about $7,500.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 168
2. Updates
a. Green Step Cities—no work has been done on best practices yet. The
group agreed that we could not recommend becoming a Green Step City
because we did not receive the help and guidance requested when we were
part of the initial focus group. Participating in GreenStep can be done at
any time in the future.
b. Green Corp Intern—the group decided against it based on comments from
other cities who have previously participated. The interns were not self
directed.
3. U of M Environmental Science (Environmental policy class)—contacted the City
to see if we were interested in having them do some research for us. Jim Vaughan
will send examples of past projects. Contact him if you have project ideas. Seems
like a good idea if they can work on things we need done. Jim and Kathy to work
with Kevin Locke and present ideas to Tom H.
4. Solar Energy financing—PACE - interesting idea in theory. Cities would lend
funds to residents for long term energy conservation measures like solar heating,
residents would repay through special assessment on real estate taxes. This
legislation just passed this spring and Mn Housing want to work on it a bit more
before recommending that cities participate. Neither the state nor county are
making funds available.
Meetings and Note taking responsibilities:
August Cary Smith
September Marney Olson
October Mark Oestreich
November Dennis M.
December Scott Merkley
January Kevin Locke
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 169
2009 Solid Waste Program Annual Report
Page 1 of 13
Public Works Department
2009 Annual Solid Waste Report
April 28, 2010
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 170
2009 Solid Waste Program Annual Report
Page 2 of 13
2009 PUBLIC WORKS
ANNUAL SOLID WASTE PROGRAM REPORT
1. PURPOSE
This report summarizes the activities of the Solid Waste Program for 2009.
The purpose of the Solid Waste program is to provide a service responsive to citizens’
needs to ensure a vital community. Program goals include: High Quality Service,
Environmental Stewardship, Cost Effective Services, Effective Communication, and
the Continual Evaluation of Program and Industry.
2. COLLECTION
Waste Management collected residential garbage and yard waste, and Eureka
Recycling collected recycling during 2009. The numbers in this report include
tonnages as reported from Waste Management and Eureka Recycling. Garbage
collection tonnages are slightly down from 2008 with an increase in yard waste and
recycling tonnages. The slight increase in yard waste is likely due to wet weather
late into the season, which increases the weight of yard waste. The decrease in
garbage may be indicative of a down economy, and the increase in recycling may be
the result of efforts to educate residents about recycling.
The following table summarizes the tonnages collected for garbage, recycling, and
yard waste for 2007, 2008 and 2009. The tonnages include materials collected
curbside and at the clean up events.
Yearly Collection Summary
Tons Collected Item 2007 2008 2009
% Change
2008 - 2009
Garbage 9,300 9,031 8,799 - 2.6
Recycling 3,861 3,562 3,652 + 2.5
Yard Waste 3,039 3,651 3,663 + 0.3
Total 16,200 16,243 16,114
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 171
2009 Solid Waste Program Annual Report
Page 3 of 13
• Garbage
The City of St. Louis Park has a volume based pay-as-you-throw program
designed to encourage recycling and waste reduction. Residents are free to
choose the service level and cart size that best fits their needs. The levels of
service and rates changed in late 2009. Residents may now choose from 12
(instead of 8) levels of service using combinations of 30-, 60-, or 90-gallon
carts. Due to the change, monthly totals were not available for all service
levels as indicated by "n/a" in the table below.
Customers by Level of Service
Service Level
2007
Monthly
Average 1
2008
Monthly
Average 2
2009
Monthly
Average
30 gallons 4,008 4,011 4,087
60 gallons 5,713 5,694 5,728
90 gallons 2,014 2,009 2,045
120-180 gallons 440 429 n/a
120 gallons n/a n/a 25
150 gallons n/a n/a 10
180 gallons n/a n/a 313
210 gallons n/a n/a 0
240 gallons n/a n/a 0
270 gallons 22 23 23
360 gallons 16 16 14
450 gallons 0 0 1
540 gallons 1 1 1
Avg. Total Customers 12,220 12,144 12,209
1 Numbers were not available due to issues with the conversion of the new
Utility Billing Database system. February numbers were used for March through
December.
2 Service levels were not available for the first half of the year, used 2007 percentages.
Garbage tonnages decreased by 2.6% from 2008. Garbage tonnages include
collection of carts, bulk items, recycling residuals, and cleanup day events.
Waste Management collected garbage and bulk items from January 1 -
December 31, 2009. Recycling residuals include items picked up from recycling
bins that are not recyclable and are therefore disposed of as garbage. Eureka
collects recycling residuals. Bulk items include household goods such as sofas,
fans, basketballs, yard and garden equipment, and pianos that are disposed of
as garbage.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 172
2009 Solid Waste Program Annual Report
Page 4 of 13
The table below shows the breakdown of garbage tonnages collected from
residents in 2007, 2008 and 2009. The tonnages collected in 2009 were lower
than in 2007 and 2008, which is consistent with what was experienced across
the metro area.
Garbage Collection Summary
Tons Collected Item
2007 2008 2009
Carts 8,691 8,427 8,304
Bulky Items 488 523 452
Recycling Residuals 78 59 22
Cleanup Events 43 22 21
Total 9,300 9,031 8,799
Note the significant decrease in the amount of recycling residuals over the past
three years. This suggests that residents are doing a better job of keeping non-
recyclables out of their recycling bins.
Garbage Collection
9,300 9,031 8,799
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
2007 2008 2009Tons Collected
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 173
2009 Solid Waste Program Annual Report
Page 5 of 13
• Recycling
Recycling includes collection of bins, textiles, appliances, tires, metal,
appliances and electronics from the curb and cleanup events. Eureka collected
bin materials and textiles, and Waste Management collected appliances, tires,
metal and electronics.
The amount of recycling collected in 2009 increased by 2.5% from 2008 event
though participation rates were lower. Recycling participation is the
percentage of households who actually set out recyclables in a given period of
time (October is measured by the County annually) as compared to the total
number of households in the program (100%). The table below shows yearly
participation in the recycling program.
Year Participation
2007 67%
2008 71%
2009 66%
Recycling tonnages have slightly fluctuated over the past three years, as shown
in the table below. Appliance tonnages have steadily decreased over the same
time period. Household goods, collected at the City's two cleanup events,
showed a significant increase in 2009, after switching from Bridging, Inc. to the
Vietnam Veterans.
Recycling Collection Summary
Tons Collected Item
2007 2008 2009
Bins 3,811 3,514 3,452
Appliances 1 35 35 26
Electronics 1 8 6 4
Tires 0.6 1.1 .6
Metals 6 4 2
Household Goods n/a 2 167
Total 3,861 3,562 3,652
1 Appliance and electronic tonnages are based on Hennepin County Re-TRAC
conversions: appliances = 150lbs and electronics = 75lbs. The electronics
conversion factor changed in 2009 to 70lbs.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 174
2009 Solid Waste Program Annual Report
Page 6 of 13
Recycling Collection
3,861 3,562 3,652
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
2007 2008 2009Tons Collected
The city received a SCORE grant of $100,387 from Hennepin County in 2009.
The grant agreement requires the city to make every effort possible to meet or
exceed the 2007 base year figure used by Hennepin County in the SCORE
funding comparison.
Notice that recycling was lower every month in 2009 with the exception of
October and December. October and December showed the highest amount of
recycling activity in 2009.
Overall, recycling tonnage decreased by 209 tons (about 5%) from 2007 to 2009.
2009 Recycling Tonnage Compared to 2007 Base Year
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
500
Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov DecTons Collected2007
2009
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 175
2009 Solid Waste Program Annual Report
Page 7 of 13
• Yard Waste
Yard waste collected from residents in 2009 increased by less than 1% from
2008. The amount of yard waste depends upon the weather, as well as the
residents’ use of the yard waste program.
About 65% of the city’s households have the “No Grass Clippings” yard waste
option. Many residents leave their grass clippings on the lawn or use them in
compost bins. The City continues to promote residential composting.
The graph below shows yard waste tonnages collected from residents in 2007,
2008 and 2009.
Yard Waste Collection
3,039
3,651 3,663
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
2007 2008 2009Tons Collected
3. CLEAN UP EVENTS
Two clean up events were held for St. Louis Park residents in 2009 and one household
hazardous waste event was held for Hennepin County residents. The spring and fall
clean up events were sponsored by Waste Management and the household hazardous
waste event was sponsored by Hennepin County.
• 2009 Spring and Fall Clean Up Events
The spring and fall clean up events were held on June 13 and October 10 at the
Junior High from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. New for 2009 was the Vietnam
Veterans Donation Truck. The Vets accepted gently used home and garden
items. The City offered compost bins for sale; however none were sold at the
events.
The table below summarizes the items collected at the clean up events. In
2009, the events attracted 434 vehicles, a 21% decrease from 2008. In 2009,
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 176
2009 Solid Waste Program Annual Report
Page 8 of 13
the quantities of all items decreased except Construction and Demolition debris
and furniture donations.
2009 was the first year that residents had to pay for electronics, which may be
one of the reasons for the decrease in electronics tonnages.
As mentioned above, household goods showed a significant increase in 2009,
after switching from Bridging, Inc. to the Vietnam Veterans.
Cleanup Event Collection Summary
Item 2007 2008 2009
Trash 33.5 tons 19.02 tons 14.49 tons
C & D 1 9.24 tons 3.37 tons 7.04 tons
Metal 6.23 tons 3.99 tons 2.38 tons
Tires 59 tires 110 tires 58 tires
Electronics 2 6.60 tons 5.24 tons 2.99 tons
Appliances 182 appliances 232 appliances 96 appliances
Household Goods(reuse) not collected 2.5 tons 167 tons
Bikes (reuse) not collected 32 bikes 18 bikes
Attendees 748 vehicles 546 vehicles 434 vehicles
1 C & D is Construction and Demolition debris (not reused, considered trash)
2 Electronics were only collected at the fall event in 2007.
• 2009 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event
Hennepin County sponsors annual Household Hazardous Waste collection events
throughout the county. St. Louis Park hosted one of the events, which was
held at the Louisiana Oaks Park parking lot. The event is open to all Hennepin
County residents. The collection event was held on June 11-13 from 9am to
4pm, which coincided with the spring clean up event. Many of the same
residents participated in both events. There were a total of 1,843 vehicles
that dropped off 142,663 pounds of hazardous waste.
Year # of Vehicles
2007 1,770
2008 1,323
2009 1,843
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 177
2009 Solid Waste Program Annual Report
Page 9 of 13
4. PROGRAM EDUCATION
Program education is a joint effort by the City, Eureka, and Waste Management. The
contract requires the haulers to facilitate ongoing communication with residents, host
an annual open house for all residents, offer tours of its facilities, provide articles for
publication or distribution, and assist the city with other educational efforts.
Staff provides public information and education through various media to encourage
waste reduction and recycling. Educational efforts in 2009 were focused on plastic
recycling, properly sorting recyclables, proper cart placement, and overfilled carts.
Staff participated in the following educational efforts in 2009:
• Park Perspective articles
• Individual mailings
• Visited with residents
• Earth and Arbor Day Celebration
• Explored partnership with
Schools
• National Night Out
• Cable television and the city’s
external web site
• Home Remodeling Show
• Distributed information at the
spring and fall cleanup events
• Tagging
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 178
Page 10 of 13
Tagging
Tagging involves haulers leave an educational tag on the cart, bin, or yard waste
container when non-compliance issues are found. The tables show that tagging
efforts have significantly increased since 2007.
Eureka's contract began on October 1, 2008. The tags issued in 2008 only include
October, November, and December.
Eureka Tag Summary
Number of Tags Issued Tag Description 2007 2008 2009
Not Out by 7am n/a 29 172
Used Plastic Bags n/a 971 5,910
Plastic Bottles Only n/a 2129 12,207
Non-Recyclable n/a 1390 8,052
Not Sorted Properly n/a 1429 6,956
Cardboard Not Flattened/Too Large n/a 281 811
Textiles n/a 18 111
Cannot Accept Hazardous Materials n/a 171 2161
Extra Bins Needed n/a 4 188
Thank You For Recycling Properly n/a 6 67
Total 6,428 36,635
Eureka issued 36,635 educational tags in 2009. The breakdown by month is
shown in the graph below.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 179
Page 11 of 13
2009 Eureka Monthly Tag Totals
2,587
853
2,988
3,622
4,032
3,463 3,329
2,332
2,844
3,200
3,491
3,894
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
3,500
4,000
4,500
5,000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec# of TagsTags
Waste Management issued the most tags for residents for setting out bulk items that
were not prepaid, placing their cart in the street or sidewalk, and overfilling their
carts.
Waste Management Tag Summary
Number of Tags Issued Tag Description 2007 2008 2009
Cart in Street 676 734 3,651
Bulk Items 246 386 2,195
Extra Refuse Stickers 363 460 1,311
Boxes Cut & Bundled 302 229 14
Garbage in Yard Waste 171 116 576
Bag Trash 106 163 400
Miscellaneous Tags 1 411 1,256 897
Total 2,275 3,344 9,044
1 Total of the remaining tags. For 2007 and 2008 only - includes (waxed paper,
Styrofoam, gas containers, etc).
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 180
Page 12 of 13
Waste Management issued 9,044 educational tags in 2009. The breakdown by
month is shown in the graph below.
2009 WM Monthly Tag Totals
1,415
408
613
787 764
436 467 406
1,119
629
776
1,005
0
200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
1,400
1,600
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec# of TagsTags
A major reason for the increase in the issuance of educational tags from 2008
to 2009 is the hiring of a City Solid Waste Field Inspector who oversees the
haulers and holds them accountable.
5. PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Staff and City Council have developed solid waste performance indicators that
measure quality and cost of the program in order to better monitor the contractor
and better evaluate the Solid Waste Program goals.
The continual monitoring, evaluation and responsiveness to residents should
ultimately increase the level of resident satisfaction with the solid waste program.
6. FINANCES
During 2009, the total revenues were $2,603,182 and the total expenditures were
$2,598,211. In 2009, Hennepin County garbage disposal charges were $38/ton for the
first 3 months, then rising to $40/ton for the remainder of the year. In 2009, the
disposal costs for yard waste was $44/ton.
The Refuse Fund balance at the end of 2009 is estimated to be $2,599,054, which
reflects an increase of $4,971 or 0.19% from 2008. Capital reserves are being held for
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 181
Page 13 of 13
the future purchase of yard waste / organics carts. The Finance Department has
recommended maintaining a minimum fund balance of $650,800 (three months of
revenue), beyond what is needed for capital expenditures.
7. FUTURE GOALS AND INITIATIVES
The ultimate goal of the program changes is to increase St. Louis Park’s recycling,
reduce refuse and yard waste collected, and reduce service issues.
• Educate residents on new compostable bag ban
• Increase awareness of backyard composting
• Increase recycling according to Hennepin County requirements
• Research options for a multi-family recycling program
• Conduct a customer service satisfaction survey 2010 & 2012
• Conduct a program survey in 2011
• Waste Management and City staff will continue inspecting specific areas
frequently to ensure that households receiving the credit are not putting out
grass clippings for collection.
O:\Pubwks\Solid Waste\Reports - City\2009\2009 Annual SW Report.doc
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 182
HENNEPIN COUNTY
SUBURBAN RECYCLING RECOVERY RATE STUDY
FOR ST. LOUIS PARK AND MINNETONKA
Prepared For:
Hennepin County Department of Environmental Services
417 North Fifth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Prepared By:
Tim Goodman & Associates
2337 Texas Avenue South
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
September 30, 2009
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 183
Hennepin County Suburban Recycling Recovery
Rate Study for St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
Tim Goodman & Associates i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This study could not have been completed without the assistance, cooperation, and participation of many
entities and individuals. The success of this project is largely due to the time and effort of those involved and
my thanks and appreciation goes out to the following companies, public entities, non‐profits, and volunteers.
Public, Private and Non‐Profit Entities
Hennepin County Department of Environmental Services (DES)
City of St. Louis Park
City of Minnetonka
Eureka Recycling
Randy’s Environmental Services
Waste Management
Hennepin County Adult Corrections Facility
PPL Industries
Project Team
Sue Budd, Project Assistant
Sandra Nussbaum, Hennepin County DES
Paul Kroening, Hennepin County DES
Jason Bredenberg, City of St. Louis Park
Dean Elstad, City of Minnetonka
Volunteers
Jean Buckley, City of Bloomington
Cindy DeRuyter, City of Andover
Rachel Dodge, City of Orono
Linda Eichinger, 3M
Michelle Horan, Resident (no affiliation)
John Jaimez, Hennepin County DES
Lori Krider, City of Eden Prairie
Bill Leonard, Hennepin County DES
Maggie Matacola, Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM)
Tim Pratt, City of Roseville
Dan Ruiz, City of Brooklyn Park
Melissa Seeley, Resident (no affiliation)
Peg Wander, LDI Fibres
Marcus Zbinden, Carver County
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 184
Hennepin County Suburban Recycling Recovery
Rate Study for St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
Tim Goodman & Associates ii
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...................................................................................................................................1
I. INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................................6
A. PROJECT GOAL ......................................................................................................................................6
B. COMMUNITY SELECTION AND CHARACTERISTICS ...........................................................................................6
II. STUDY METHODOLOGY..........................................................................................................................8
A. SAMPLE SIZE DETERMINATION .................................................................................................................8
B. MATERIAL SORTING CATEGORIES..............................................................................................................8
C. FIELD METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................................9
1. St. Louis Park Collection and Sorting Logistics.............................................................................10
2. Minnetonka Collection and Sorting Logistics...............................................................................11
D. LIMITATIONS OF METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................13
III. DATA REVIEW AND ANALYSIS...............................................................................................................14
A. ST. LOUIS PARK WASTE AND RECYCLING SORT DATA ..................................................................................14
B. MINNETONKA WASTE AND RECYCLING SORT DATA ....................................................................................17
C. COMPARISON OF ST. LOUIS PARK AND MINNETONKA SORT RESULTS .............................................................23
IV. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS............................................................................................28
A. CONCLUSIONS ....................................................................................................................................28
B. RECOMMENDATIONS ...........................................................................................................................30
APPENDIX A: MATERIAL SORTING CATEGORIES ...........................................................................................31
APPENDIX B: ST. LOUIS PARK SITE PLAN.......................................................................................................35
APPENDIX C: ST. LOUIS PARK SORTING PHOTOS ..........................................................................................36
APPENDIX D: MINNETONKA SITE PLAN........................................................................................................38
APPENDIX E: MINNETONKA SORTING PHOTOS ............................................................................................39
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 185
Hennepin County Suburban Recycling Recovery
Rate Study for St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
Tim Goodman & Associates 1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In May 2009, recycling and waste sorts were conducted in two suburban communities in Hennepin County –
St. Louis Park and Minnetonka. Each sort was one week long, with the primary objective of determining the
recycling recovery rate of materials in curbside recycling programs and assessing the potential to increase it.
The recycling recovery rate is the ratio of the amount of material recycled by the resident to the total
recyclable material in both the waste cart and the recycling bin. The findings could then be used to target
materials for future recycling education efforts.
Though these two communities are similar in many ways, there are several differences that had to be
accounted for in designing and conducting the waste sort. These included:
St. Louis Park has organized collection of both waste and recyclables. Organized collection involves one or
more service providers contracted by the city. Minnetonka has organized collection for recyclables but not
waste. In Minnetonka, waste collection service is contracted by individual households.
St. Louis Park’s recycling program is dual‐stream, where material is sorted as either paper products or rigid
containers (cans and bottles). Minnetonka’s recycling program is single‐stream, where all recyclable
materials go into one bin.
Some residents in Minnetonka also participate in a source‐separated organics (SSO) collection program,
sorting out their food scraps and non‐recyclable paper. St. Louis Park residents currently do not have that
option.
The sampling and sorting protocol involved collecting and sorting waste and curbside recyclables from a set
number of households in each community. In Minnetonka, the residential waste sampling was further divided
with households participating in the SSO collection program tracked separately from households not
participating in this program. The number of households sampled provided a 95% confidence level and an
approximate 5% confidence interval. Materials from the waste carts and curbside recycling were sorted into
16 categories in St. Louis Park and 14 categories in Minnetonka. Samples were weighed and the data entered
into spreadsheets for further analysis.
Table ES‐1 provides a comparison of the recycling recovery rates for the two communities. In most cases, St.
Louis Park and Minnetonka appear to be achieving a high level of success in their recycling programs. The
recovery rates for most materials are in excess of 75% with lower recovery rates for office paper/mail,
boxboard, plastic bottles, and milk cartons/juice boxes seen in St. Louis Park, and magazines/catalogs, office
paper/mail and boxboard seen in Minnetonka.
Table ES‐1
Comparison of Recycling Recovery Rates for
St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
Category St. Louis Park Minnetonka Category St. Louis Park Minnetonka
Newspapers/Inserts 89.8% 91.5%Metal Cans 74.1% 75.2%
Magazines/Catalogs 78.5% 72.6%Glass Bottles/Jars 89.1% 88.1%
Phone Books 79.6% 87.8% Plastic Bottles 71.5% 77.8%
Office Paper/Mail 71.2% 60.5%Milk Cartons/Juice Boxes 42.8%‐‐‐‐‐
Boxboard 71.0% 66.1%Clothes/Linens 0.5%‐‐‐‐‐
Corrugated Cardboard 79.2% 83.9%
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 186
Hennepin County Suburban Recycling Recovery
Rate Study for St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
Tim Goodman & Associates 2
Figures ES‐1 and ES‐2 show the breakdown of materials remaining in the waste carts for St. Louis Park and
Minnetonka, respectively.
Figure ES‐1
Breakdown of Materials in the St. Louis Park Waste Carts
Figure ES‐2
Breakdown of Materials in the Minnetonka Waste Carts
By balancing the recovery rates in Table ES‐1 with the percent of recyclable materials remaining in the waste
carts as shown in Figures ES‐1 and ES‐2, those materials that stand out for further recovery can be identified.
For example, despite the high recovery rate for newspapers, a significant amount of this material is still
present in the waste cart. However, some portion of the newspaper remaining in the waste cart is not
available for recovery due to contamination from secondary uses (i.e., cleaning, drop sheets for painting,
0.2%
0.2%
0.2%
0.3%
0.9%
1.4%
1.4%
1.5%
1.6%
1.6%
1.7%
2.4%
40.7%
1.9%
42.1%
0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0% 35.0% 40.0% 45.0%
Household Batteries
Consumer Electronics
Milk Cartons/Juice Boxes
HHW/Problem Materials
Metal Cans
Plastic Bottles/Jars
Boxboard
Magazines/Catalogs
Phone Books
Corrugated Paper
Clothes/Linens
Office Paper/Mail
Glass Bottles/Jars
Newspaper/Inserts
Trash/Garbage
Organics
2.1%
0.1%
0.3%
0.5%
0.6%
0.6%
0.9%
1.3%
1.5%
1.5%
1.6%
44.1%
3.1%
0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0% 35.0% 40.0% 45.0% 50.0%
Household Batteries
Consumer Electronics
HHW/Problem Materials
Metal Cans
Phone Books
Plastic Bottles
Corrugated Cardboard
Boxboard
Magazines/Catalogs
Glass Bottles/Jars
Newspaper/Inserts
Office Paper/Mail
Organics
Trash/Garbage
42.8%
1.1%
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 187
Hennepin County Suburban Recycling Recovery
Rate Study for St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
Tim Goodman & Associates 3
bedding in animal cages, wrapping/packaging applications, etc.). The same holds true for glass bottles/jars,
used for holding cooking grease, paint, and other contaminants. In the case of glass, however, by value of its
density (weight), modest increases in additional recovery could help raise overall recycling rates. This is the
percentage of the total waste stream that was set out for recycling.
On the other hand, office paper/mail often goes straight from its intended use to the trash and has the
potential to be recovered and recycled. Some of this paper in the waste cart may be due to residents’ concern
about identity theft from recycling the paper. With its lower recovery rate and relatively high presence in the
waste cart, additional recovery of this material could only strengthen overall recycling rates.
As a result, in both communities the amount of fiber in the waste cart stands out for further recovery efforts.
Within that broad category, office paper/mail and boxboard are likely to yield the largest increase due in part
to the lower recovery rates (approximately 60% to 71%) currently being achieved for these materials and their
relatively uncontaminated presence in the waste cart. Glass bottles and jars also stand out as a potential
target for boosting recycling the total weight recycled.
Table ES‐2 shows on average that St. Louis Park households that recycle generate approximately 25
pounds/week of waste and 18 pounds/week of curbside recyclables. Of the contents of the waste carts,
approximately 17% was recyclable material and 42% was organics. The overall recycling rate is about 42%.
Table ES‐2
St. Louis Park Weekly Household Generation
from Waste Carts and Curbside Recyclables
Material
Type
Total
Pounds
Weekly Pounds
Per Household1
Percent of
Waste Carts
Percent of
Grand Total
Trash 3,690.0 10.3 40.7%
Organics 3,818.3 10.6 42.1%
Recyclables 1,561.8 4.3 17.2%
Waste Carts Total 9,070.1 25.2 100% 58.1%
Curbside Recyclables Total 6,529.1 18.1 41.9%
Grand Total 15,599.2 100.0%
Recycling Rate 41.9%
1 Based on a sample population of 360 households.
Table ES‐3 shows the same information for Minnetonka but with a distinction between households receiving
SSO collection and those that do not. Households without SSO collection on average generate nearly three
times as much waste on a weekly basis as compared to those households that participate in SSO collection
programs – 57 pounds/week as compared to 20 pounds/week. Waste generated in non‐participating
households contained over one and a half times as much organics (48%) as participating households (29%).
There were also more recyclables remaining in the waste carts (14%) as compared to households participating
in SSO collection programs (10%). The overall recycling rate is about 37%.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 188
Hennepin County Suburban Recycling Recovery
Rate Study for St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
Tim Goodman & Associates 4
Table ES‐3
Minnetonka Weekly Household Generation
from Waste Carts and Curbside Recyclables
Material
Type
Total
Pounds
Weekly Pounds
Per Household1
Percent of
Waste Carts
Percent of
Grand Total
Trash 3,789.8 21.7 37.9%
Organics 4,770.5 27.3 47.8%
Recyclables 1,425.7 8.2 14.3%
Waste Carts
(Households without
SSO collection service)
Sub‐total Waste Carts 9,986.0 57.1 100.0%
Trash 2,240.7 11.9 61.0%
Organics 1,071.9 5.7 29.2%
Recyclables 361.0 1.9 9.8%
Waste Carts
(Households with SSO
collection service)
Sub‐total Waste Carts 3,673.6 19.5 100.0%
Waste Carts Total 13,659.6 37.6 62.7%
Curbside Recyclables Total 8,125.3 22.4 37.3%
Grand Total 21,784.9 100.0%
Recycling Rate 37.3%
1 Based on a sample population of 363 households, with 175 not receiving SSO collection service and 188 receiving SSO
collection service.
Other significant findings include:
The amount of non‐recyclable materials found in the Minnetonka curbside bins is significantly greater than
what was observed in the St. Louis Park bins – 6.7% compared to 2.7%, respectively.
Household batteries, consumer electronics, and HHW/problem materials were found at very low levels in
the curbside recyclables and waste – about 0.9% of all materials sorted in St. Louis Park and 1.0% of all
materials sorted in Minnetonka.
Based on visual observations, much of the organics found in the Minnetonka waste carts appeared to be
yard waste. As there was not any further breakdown of this category, the proportion of yard waste to
other organics could not be determined.
Waste generated by households participating in SSO collection programs was found to contain fewer
recyclables. This suggests that SSO collection programs facilitate more recycling.
Based on the findings of the St. Louis Park and Minnetonka recycling recovery rate study recommendations
include:
1. The focus of educational outreach for improving the recovery of materials from the waste cart should be
targeted to paper and more specifically to office paper/mail and boxboard. Additionally, efforts to recover
more glass bottles and jars from the waste cart could help increase community recycling rates.
2. In addition to educational outreach efforts for increasing recycling, educational activities should be
undertaken to inform residents what materials should not go in their recycling containers.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 189
Hennepin County Suburban Recycling Recovery
Rate Study for St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
Tim Goodman & Associates 5
3. With organics being over 40% of the contents of waste carts in both St. Louis Park and in those
Minnetonka households not participating in the SSO collection program, efforts should be continued to
implement residential SSO programs. Based on the study results, increased levels of recycling are likely to
be seen with the implementation of SSO collection programs.
4. As time and funding permits, additional recycling recovery rate studies in suburban Hennepin County
communities should be conducted to build up a database of program information. Further refinements to
the sampling/sorting methodology are also recommended to fine‐tune the sorting protocol. One such
refinement would be a further breakdown of the organics fraction into yard waste and other organics.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 190
Hennepin County Suburban Recycling Recovery
Rate Study for St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
Tim Goodman & Associates 6
I. INTRODUCTION
A. PROJECT GOAL
In 2006, Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis undertook a study to assess how well Minneapolis
residents were recovering recyclables, and to test the effectiveness of a social marketing method of delivering
recycling and waste education. One recommendation from that study was that additional waste and recycling
sorts in suburban Hennepin County should be considered but structured in a way to accommodate the
different collection logistics of those communities. Furthermore, if a follow‐up study in suburban communities
is conducted, it should be a scaled‐down version of the Minneapolis study consisting of a one week sort in
each community and not include the recycling and waste education component of the previous project.
Additionally, a consultant should be hired to coordinate the project and report on the findings.
Following up on these recommendations, Hennepin County secured the cooperation of two suburban
communities – St. Louis Park and Minnetonka – in a recycling recovery rate study. The recycling recovery rate
is the ratio of the amount of material recycled by the resident to the total amount of recyclable material in the
both the waste cart and the recycling bin. The objective of this study is to determine the recycling recovery
rate of materials in curbside recycling programs and assess the potential to increase it. The findings could then
be used to target materials for future recycling education efforts.
B. COMMUNITY SELECTION AND CHARACTERISTICS
The communities of St. Louis Park and Minnetonka are nearby western suburbs of Minneapolis. The estimated
2007 population of these communities are 44,130 and 51,057, respectively. Select characteristics of the two
residential waste and recycling collection systems are listed in Table 1.1.
Table 1.1
Characteristics of the Residential Waste and Recycling
Collection Systems for St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
Characteristic St. Louis Park Minnetonka
Organized (Waste Management) Subscription (Allied Waste Services, Inc., Randy’s
Environmental Services, Waste Management,
Vintage Waste Systems)
Residential Waste
Collection Service
Provided weekly with each of five
collection zones having a dedicated
day (5‐day collection week).
Two zones with one serviced on Monday and the
other serviced on Tuesday (2‐day collection week).
Organized (Eureka Recycling) Organized (Waste Management)
Dual‐stream collection program Single‐stream collection program
Residential Recycling
Collection Service
Provided weekly with each of five
collection zones having a dedicated
day (5‐day collection week).
Two zones with one serviced on Monday and the
other serviced on Tuesday (2‐day collection week).
Source‐Separated
Organics Collection
None Subscription service for organics collection is
offered by Randy’s Environmental Services, Waste
Management and Vintage Waste Systems.
Differences in
Targeted Materials
for Recycling
Includes two additional categories
– milk cartons/juice boxes and
clean textiles.
Does not include milk cartons/juice boxes or clean
textiles.
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Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 191
Hennepin County Suburban Recycling Recovery
Rate Study for St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
Tim Goodman & Associates 7
Perhaps the three biggest differences in the waste and recycling collection programs in these two communities
are the contractual arrangements for collection, the type of recycling separation system used for collection,
and the availability of organics collection.
The City of St. Louis Park contracts with two collection vendors – one for the collection of waste (Waste
Management) and one for the collection of recyclables (Eureka Recycling). Collection service is provided to all
single‐family residences as well as multifamily residential buildings of four units or less. The cost of collection
is charged to the homeowner through a quarterly utility bill. Collection of waste and recyclables is provided
weekly with the City divided into five sectors, each of which has a different designated collection day.
In Minnetonka, the City contracts with a single vendor (Waste Management) for the weekly collection of
recyclables from single‐family dwellings and townhomes but residents are free to contract with one of six
hauling companies for the collection of their waste. The cost of recycling collection service is charged to the
homeowner through a quarterly utility bill. For the collection of recyclables, Minnetonka is divided into two
sectors – east and west – with one sector serviced weekly on Monday and the other serviced weekly on
Tuesday.
In Minnetonka, the vast majority of residential waste is collected by three haulers – Allied Waste Services, Inc.,
Randy’s Environmental Services, and Waste Management – with Allied Waste and Randy's having roughly
equal shares of customers and accounting for over 80% of the residential waste collected in the City. Recent
changes in how waste is collected now have most residential waste collected on either a Monday route or a
Tuesday route.
The recycling separation system available in the two communities represents another significant difference. In
St. Louis Park, the recycling program is a dual‐stream system with fibers placed in one bin at curbside and rigid
containers (bottles and cans) placed in another. The fibers and rigids are placed in separate compartments on
the same collection vehicle and are treated as two different streams of materials to be processed at Eureka’s
recycling facility. In Minnetonka, all recyclable materials are placed in recycling containers or paper bags at the
curb by the resident and are collected in the recycling truck as a commingled or single‐stream product, which
is mechanically separated at the Waste Management recycling facility. In addition to these differences, there
is some variation in the materials that are collected for recycling. For example, in St. Louis Park, Eureka
Recycling collects milk cartons and juice boxes, and clean textiles for recycling. In Minnetonka, the milk
cartons go into the organics container and juice boxes into the waste cart. Textiles also go in the waste cart.
Currently, the City of St. Louis Park does not offer residential source‐separated organics (SSO) collection.
However, several haulers servicing residential accounts in Minnetonka do offer this option – Randy’s
Environmental Services, Waste Management and Vintage Waste Systems. Randy’s SSO customer base is by far
the largest in the City of Minnetonka whereas Waste Management and Vintage have only a small number of
customers each at this time. Customers that sign up for Randy’s SSO collection program can shift to a two‐
week waste collection schedule and save money on their trash service. The SSO service offered by Vintage
allows collection of organics with yard waste and delivers the material directly to the composting facility at the
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 192
Hennepin County Suburban Recycling Recovery
Rate Study for St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
Tim Goodman & Associates 8
II. STUDY METHODOLOGY
In alignment with the project goal, a sampling methodology was developed to collect, sort and record the
types and weights of recyclables set out curbside and the types and amounts of recyclables remaining in the
waste carts. The one‐week sorting periods for each community were conducted back‐to‐back (the week of
May 11th for St. Louis Park and the week of May 18th for Minnetonka) to compare similar timeframes. The
sampling protocol, material sorting categories, and the field methodology are discussed below.
A. SAMPLE SIZE DETERMINATION
It was determined that the number of single‐family units participating in waste and curbside recycling
collection in St. Louis Park and Minnetonka was 12,200 and 15,000 households, respectively.
Targeting a 95% confidence level and a 5% confidence interval, it was further determined that the sample size
for St. Louis Park should be approximately 370 households and approximately 375 households for Minnetonka.
Utilizing these sample sizes, it was decided to collect from only households that set out recyclables on the
designated sampling days to measure how well those households are separating materials for recycling.
In St. Louis Park, waste delivered for sorting represented 360 households (5.1% confidence interval). Due to a
collection error on the part of Eureka Recycling, two additional loads of recyclables were delivered
representing more households than the waste loads represented. After discussions with Eureka Recycling, a
decision was made to disregard one‐sixth of the total tons of recyclables collected and to adjust the data
accordingly.
In Minnetonka, both waste and curbside recyclables delivered for sorting represented 363 households. This
provided a confidence interval of 5.1%.
B. MATERIAL SORTING CATEGORIES
To maintain consistency with the sorting categories used in the 2006 Minneapolis recycling sort, the same
general categories were used for both the St. Louis Park and the Minnetonka sorts. The only significant
differences between the sorting categories used in all three communities were:
Boxboard was included with the office paper/mail mix in Minneapolis. In St. Louis Park and
Minnetonka it was broken out as a separate category;
Milk cartons/juice boxes were broken out as a separate category in St. Louis Park. In both the previous
Minneapolis sort and the Minnetonka sort, milk cartons went into the organics and juice boxes went
into the trash; and
Clean clothes and linens (including shoes) were broken out as a separate category in St. Louis Park. In
both the previous Minneapolis sort and the Minnetonka sort, these materials were considered trash.
The material sorting categories for the St. Louis Park and Minnetonka sorts included:
Newspaper/Inserts
Magazines/Catalogs
Phone Books
Office Paper/Mail
Boxboard
Corrugated Cardboard
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 193
Hennepin County Suburban Recycling Recovery
Rate Study for St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
Tim Goodman & Associates 9
Metal Cans
Glass Bottles/Jars
Plastic Bottles
Milk Cartons/Juice Boxes (St. Louis Park only)
Clothes/Linens (St. Louis Park only)
Household Batteries
Consumer Electronics
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)/Problem Materials
Organics
Trash/Garbage
To maintain consistency with the categories used in the Minneapolis sort, there was no further breakdown of
materials (e.g., aluminum versus ferrous cans, PET plastics versus HDPE plastics, color separation of glass
containers, etc.). A more detailed description of what materials comprise these categories can be found in
Appendix A.
C. FIELD METHODOLOGY
The basic collection and sorting protocol used in each community was as follows:
Route trucks for residential MSW and recyclables were asked to leave the routes after they collected a
predetermined amount of setouts at the beginning of each route. These averaged approximately 25 to
30 households per route.
Route trucks delivered their loads to the sorting locations and tipped them in designated areas. There
were three designated areas for each sort.
o St. Louis Park – MSW, recyclable paper, and recyclable containers.
o Minnetonka – MSW from routes receiving SSO collection services, MSW from routes not
receiving SSO collection services, and single‐stream recyclables.
Samples from the various piles were loaded into ½ cubic yard tilt trucks and taken to the scale to be
weighed. Tare weights of the tilt trucks were predetermined.
The samples in the tilt trucks were then wheeled to one of three (3) sorting tables where the sorting
teams would pick through the samples, sorting them into the various categories. Most of the
materials went into labeled, green recycling bins. Batteries went into smaller containers while
organics and trash went into their own designated wheeled carts. Excess liquid from capped
containers was emptied into 5‐gallon pails for sewering.
After a sample had been sorted into the appropriate categories, each material was weighed with the
information recorded on a data sheet. The information on the data sheets was then entered into an
Excel spreadsheet.
Once the individual materials had been weighed, they were taken to designated dumpsters for
appropriate management. These dumpsters were designated for the following:
o St. Louis Park – Recyclable paper including clean paper sorted out of the trash, recyclable
containers including containers sorted out of the trash, and trash/organics. Textiles went into
the recyclable paper dumpster and milk cartons/juice boxes went into the recyclable
containers dumpster.
o Minnetonka – All recyclables including clean paper and containers sorted out of the trash,
organics sorted out of the trash, and trash. The one exception is that the office paper/mixed
mail materials went into special carts for confidential document shredding purposes.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 194
Hennepin County Suburban Recycling Recovery
Rate Study for St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
Tim Goodman & Associates 10
Household batteries, consumer electronics, HHW and other problem materials were set aside for
inspection by Hennepin County staff. After this material was examined, it was managed through
appropriate means.
The majority of the sorting was conducted by a crew (approximately 4 to 6 individuals) from the County’s Adult
Corrections Facility (ACF) and two crews (approximately 6 to 8 individuals) from PPL Industries. Additional
assistance was provided by volunteers who worked side‐by‐side with the sorting crews to help maintain quality
control. These volunteers were primarily county environmental staff, city recycling coordinators, and recycling
industry staff. Several enthusiastic and knowledgeable citizen volunteers also assisted.
Due to differences in the collection programs, materials recycled, and sorting location characteristics, some
adjustments were made to the protocol used in each community.
1. St. Louis Park Collection and Sorting Logistics
In St. Louis Park, the responsible parties for collecting the recyclables and waste are Eureka Recycling and
Waste Management (WM), respectively. Due to cost reimbursement issues, WM did not participate in the
study. Instead, samples of waste were collected by the City of St. Louis Park using a small rear‐load packer
truck typically used for collection of waste from the City’s parks.
The St. Louis Park Municipal Service Center was used as the sort location. Specifically, the tipping and sorting
area for the sort was an enclosed salt storage building, which had been emptied for the project (see Appendix
B). The collection vehicles delivered the samples to the salt storage building where they were tipped inside
along the back wall of the building. Three separate tipping areas were designated for tipping waste cart
contents and dual‐stream recyclables (one area for paper and another for rigid containers). Photographs from
the St. Louis Park sort showing the field methodology can be found in Appendix C.
As noted previously, the City is divided into five collection districts with each district having three specified
routes. Due to logistical and timing challenges, only the Monday thru Thursday collection districts/routes were
sampled. The collection protocol entailed collecting the first 30 setouts on a route and delivering this material
to the designated sorting area before the truck continued servicing that route. With four districts, each having
three routes, the collection of waste from the first 30 setouts provided a sample population of 360
households. As noted previously, the samples of curbside recyclables collected came from these same routes
(first 30 setouts) but two additional routes on Monday and Tuesday were also inadvertently delivered for
sorting. To maintain the representative nature of the sample population, one sixth of the recycling data
collected was factored out prior to conducting any comparative analysis.
Sorting of the collected materials was conducted Tuesday through Friday. The breakdown of materials that
were sorted each day is listed in Table 2.1. In total, over 16,900 pounds of materials were sorted. Of this
amount, approximately 53.5% was from waste carts and 46.4% was from the curbside recyclables collection.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 195
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Rate Study for St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
Tim Goodman & Associates 11
Table 2.1
St. Louis Park Summary of Daily Amounts Sorted
Sort Date Waste
Carts
Recyclables ‐
Containers
Recyclables ‐
Paper
Total Pounds
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 2,115.8 973.0 1,124.4 4,213.2
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 3,897.4 582.3 1,121.5 5,601.2
Thursday, May 14, 2009 3,056.9 1,081.3 1,754.6 5,892.8
Friday, May 15, 2009 ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐1,200.9 1,200.9
Total 9,070.1 2,636.6 5,201.4 16,908.1
2. Minnetonka Collection and Sorting Logistics
In Minnetonka, the responsible party for collecting residential recyclables is Waste Management. They are
contracted by the City to provide this service. The majority of residential waste is collected by two companies
– Allied Waste Services, Inc. and Randy’s Environmental Services. Initially, both parties were contacted to
solicit their participation in the study. Allied Waste declined the request so it was necessary to secure all
waste samples from Randy’s. As the waste collection system in Minnetonka is subscription‐based (open),
Randy’s was able to provide samples of waste collected from across the city.
For comparison purposes, the study was designed to sample waste from households that have signed up for
SSO collection service and from households that do not subscribe to this service. Carts of SSO were not
sampled but Randy’s provided the SSO amounts collected from those routes/households where waste samples
were obtained.
The collection protocol entailed collecting the first 25 waste cart setouts from seven regular waste routes (175
setouts) and the first 100 stops and 88 stops from two waste routes that also have SSO collection service to
obtain a waste sample size of 363 households. Recyclables were also collected from 363 households. The
material was delivered to the Minnetonka Public Works facility where designated areas were set aside for the
tipping of waste from routes receiving SSO collection services, waste from routes not receiving SSO collection
services, and single‐stream recyclables. An equipment storage building behind the main public works facility
was used for sorting the materials (see Appendix D). Unlike the salt storage building in St. Louis Park, which
had overhead door access on only one side of the building (east), the Minnetonka equipment storage building
had overhead doors on both the east and west sides of the building. In this case, however, the equipment
storage building did not have sufficient room to accommodate tipping of materials indoors. Photographs from
the Minnetonka sort showing the field methodology can be found in Appendix E.
Recyclables were tipped just outside the west end of the building and corralled using free‐standing, street
hockey goals that were stored on‐site. This allowed easy access to these materials as well as minimizing the
potential for wind‐blown litter and debris. The recyclables were also covered with a large tarp to protect the
materials from inclement weather.
The waste cart contents was initially dumped in two separate piles in a bunkered area at the back of the
property. This location, however, was problematic for several reasons. First, the piles were not protected
enough from the wind and the first couple days of the sort saw wind gusts nearing 30 miles per hour. Even
with the use of tarps to cover the piles, wind‐blown litter became an issue.
Second, though the waste stockpile area was generally free of materials prior to dumping the waste, a small
amount of sand was left in the area, which became incorporated into the waste piles as the material was
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 196
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Tim Goodman & Associates 12
loaded into the tilt trucks. Additionally, the wind stirred up small amounts of sand from nearby areas, which
was blown into the waste piles. The exact amount is unknown but it is unlikely it added any significant weight
to the samples and any added sand/grit would likely fall within the 95% confidence level and 5% confidence
interval. For example, if 200 to 300 pounds of sand had been blown into the stored waste piles, an unlikely
amount, it would have represented less than 1.5% of the total waste sampled and sorted.
Finally, the area where the waste was stockpiled was well over 50 yards away from the sorting area. As a
result, obtaining samples and transporting them back to the sorting area slowed down the sorting process
significantly and created sorting crew downtime issues as they waited for the next sample to arrive for sorting.
This situation was rectified by loading the remaining waste from the non‐SSO routes into a 30‐yard roll‐off
container and moving it near the west door of the sorting area for easier access. Once this material had been
sorted, the waste from routes receiving SSO collection services, which until this time had been tarped and
stabilized, was loaded into the roll‐off container and again placed near the west door of the sorting area. This
change in procedure reduced the loss of materials due to wind, aided in minimizing further contamination of
the waste with sand, and shortened the time required for moving samples to the sorting area.
Another change in the sorting protocol was how the recyclables were sampled and sorted. Instead of being
loaded into the tilt trucks, weighed and wheeled over to the sorting tables, the material was sorted directly
from the commingled recyclables pile. The tilt trucks were weighed empty to verify the tare weight of each as
were a number of 60‐gallon wheeled carts provided by Randy’s Environmental Services. Each tilt truck and
cart was labeled for a particular material. Once a tilt truck or cart was full of its designated material, it was
wheeled to the scale to get a weight on the contents.
As noted previously, Randy’s provided four locking confidential document containers as an added precaution
so that sensitive materials (e.g., credit card statements, banking information, and old medical files) would be
managed to prevent confidential information from becoming public. As it was not practical to separate these
types of documents from the other office paper/mail mix, all paper sorted into this category was emptied into
these containers for shredding.
Table 2.2 provides a breakdown of how much and what types of materials were sorted each day. In total,
nearly 21,800 pounds of materials were sorted. Of this amount, approximately 62.7% was waste cart contents
with curbside recyclables making up the remaining 37.3%. Of the waste loads, approximately 73.1% was from
households not receiving SSO collection services and the remaining 26.9% from households that have this
service.
Table 2.2
Minnetonka Summary of Daily Amounts Sorted
Sort Date
Waste Carts
(Non ‐SSO Routes)
Waste Carts
(SSO Routes)
Commingled
Recyclables
Total Pounds
Monday, May 18, 2009 3,037.2 ‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐ 3,037.2
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 4,855.9 ‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐ 4,855.9
Wednesday. May 20, 2009 2,092.9 1,890.4 ‐‐‐‐‐ 3,983.3
Thursday, May 21, 2009 ‐‐‐‐‐1,783.2 4,227.6 6,010.8
Friday, May 22, 2009 ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐3,897.7 3,897.7
Total 9,986.0 3,673.6 8,125.3 21,784.9
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 197
Hennepin County Suburban Recycling Recovery
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Tim Goodman & Associates 13
D. LIMITATIONS OF METHODOLOGY
Though the overall sampling and sorting methodology used in this study is valid and all attempts were made to
obtain sufficient, representative samples at statistically accurate levels (95% confidence limit and 5%
confidence interval), there were some factors inherent in the methodology that may have placed limitations
on the data obtained. These factors include:
The sampling and sorting events were one week in duration. This provides a snapshot of the waste
generation and recycling efforts for the communities but represents only 1/52 of the annual picture;
Only setouts were collected (i.e., only households setting out recyclables at the curb) so the data
represents those households that are already recycling and does not include non‐recycling households;
Though all attempts were made to collect the waste and recyclables from the same households on a
route, in some situations the households sampled for waste may have differed from the households
sampled for recyclables. This is due, in part, to the fact that almost all the households on a given route
will put out their trash weekly or bi‐weekly depending on their pickup schedule. However, they may
put out their recyclables only when their bins are full. As a result, some households may have had
their trash sampled but not their recyclables, while others may have had their recyclables sampled but
not their trash;
The materials collected for recycling are often community‐specific and can vary somewhat from
community to community;
Utilizing sorting personnel with limited knowledge of what materials are recyclable and in which
categories they should be placed can impact the data. Even with on‐site training, monitoring, and
providing guidance to sorters, complete sorting accuracy is more a goal than an actual fact; and
Working with less than ideal on‐site conditions and logistics. This was more an issue in the
Minnetonka sort with the outside dumping and storage of waste and recyclables.
With that said, it is believed that the data coming out of this study is valid and accurate to the degree that is
needed for targeting educational campaigns toward various materials in the waste carts, and for planning
future recycling recovery rate studies.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 198
Hennepin County Suburban Recycling Recovery
Rate Study for St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
Tim Goodman & Associates 14
III. DATA REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
A. ST. LOUIS PARK WASTE AND RECYCLING SORT DATA
In St. Louis Park, a total of approximately 16,908 pounds of material was sorted. Approximately 54% of this
material was from waste carts with the remaining 46% being curbside recyclables. However, it was discovered
toward the end of the sort that Eureka Recycling inadvertently delivered recyclables from an additional 60
households creating the potential for skewed data. As noted in Section II, it was determined that by reducing
the recycling tonnages by one‐sixth prior to conducting the analysis, any significant data impacts could be
minimized.
Based on the corrected number of households sampled (360) and the overall sample weights of the waste and
the curbside recyclables (adjusted as stated above), Table 3.1 shows that St. Louis Park single‐family residences
generate on average approximately 25.2 pounds of waste on a weekly basis and set out approximately 18.1
pounds of recyclables on a weekly basis. Further, the breakdown of waste shows almost equal proportions of
trash and organics – 40.7% and 42.1%, respectively – with approximately 17% recyclables remaining in the
waste cart. Overall, sampled households are achieving a nearly 42% recycling rate. This is the percentage of
the total waste stream that was set out for recycling.
Table 3.1
St. Louis Park Weekly Household Generation
from Waste Carts and Curbside Recyclables
Material
Type
Total
Pounds
Weekly Pounds
Per Household1
Percent of
Waste Carts
Percent of
Grand Total
Trash 3,690.0 10.3 40.7%
Organics 3,818.3 10.6 42.1%
Recyclables 1,561.8 4.3 17.2%
Waste Carts Total 9,070.1 25.2 100% 58.1%
Curbside Recyclables Total 6,529.1 18.1 41.9%
Grand Total 15,599.2 100.0%
Recycling Rate 41.9%
1 Based on a sample population of 360 households.
Table 3.2 gives a breakdown of the St. Louis Park curbside recyclables by material (15 in total). For the curbside
recyclables sort, the trash and organics were combined. The largest component of the recycling set out for
collection is newspapers/inserts at 29.3%. The paper category in total represents 64.8% of the material set out
for recycling. Glass bottles/jars are the second largest component of the recycling set out for curbside
collection (23.5%). The container category, including milk cartons/juice boxes, is 32.4% of the recyclables.
Clothes/linens represent less than 0.1% of what is set out for recycling. As discussed later, more significant
amounts of this material were found in the contents of the waste carts.
Trash and organics contamination combined is 2.7% of recycling bin contents with two‐thirds of this being
trash. The trash component consisted primarily of recyclable materials too contaminated to be recycled (e.g.,
aluminum foil contaminated with food, aluminum cans/plastic bottles containing cigarette butts or other
contaminants inside), plastic film, other non‐recyclable plastics and pieces of paper, plastics and glass pieces
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 199
Hennepin County Suburban Recycling Recovery
Rate Study for St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
Tim Goodman & Associates 15
too small to effectively recycle (likely broken during loading and unloading materials). Though some consumer
electronics, HHW and problem materials were found, together they represented less than 0.1% of what was in
the recycling bin. Figure 3.1 is a bar chart graphically depicting the information in Table 3.2.
Table 3.2
St. Louis Park Curbside Recyclables Sorting Results
Category Pounds Percent Category Pounds Percent
Newspapers/Inserts 1,914.9 29.3% Plastic Bottles 326.0 5.0%
Magazines/Catalogs 505.3 7.7%Milk Cartons/Juice Boxes 11.3 0.2%
Phone Books 549.7 8.4%Clothes/Linens 0.8 < 0.1%
Office Paper/Mail 422.0 6.5%Household Batteries 0 0
Boxboard 309.8 4.7%Consumer Electronics 0.4 < 0.1%
Corrugated Cardboard 536.5 8.2%HHW/Problem Materials 0.3 < 0.1%
Metal Cans 243.7 3.7%Trash/Garbage (incl. organics) 173.2 2.7%
Glass Bottles/Jars 1,535.2 23.5%
Total Pounds of Curbside Recyclables – 6,529.1 Pounds
Table 3.3 gives a breakdown of the contents of the waste carts. The same categories were used for sorting the
waste as were used in sorting the curbside recyclables. Of the 9,070 pounds of waste sorted, approximately
17% was material that could have been recycled. An additional 42% was organic material (yard/garden waste,
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 200
Hennepin County Suburban Recycling Recovery
Rate Study for St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
Tim Goodman & Associates 16
food waste, and non‐recyclable paper waste) that has the potential for being composted. Together, the
recyclables remaining in the waste carts, along with the organics fraction of the waste carts, amount to nearly
59% of the material in the waste cart with the potential for diversion from landfilling or incineration.
Items that should not be placed in waste carts (batteries, electronics, HHW/problem materials) represent
approximately 1% of the material in waste carts. Of the three categories of materials, HHW/problem materials
represented nearly half of what was found. Batteries and consumer electronics were roughly split 25% each.
Figure 3.2 is a bar chart graphically depicting the information in Table 3.3.
Table 3.3
St. Louis Park Waste Carts Sorting Results
Category Pounds Percent Category Pounds Percent
Newspapers/Inserts 216.8 2.4%Plastic Bottles 129.9 1.4%
Magazines/Catalogs 138.7 1.5%Milk Cartons/Juice Boxes 15.1 0.2%
Phone Books 140.8 1.6%Clothes/Linens 150.6 1.7%
Office Paper/Mail 170.6 1.8%Household Batteries 16.2 0.2%
Boxboard 126.3 1.4%Consumer Electronics 14.7 0.2%
Corrugated Cardboard 141.2 1.6%HHW/Problem Materials 27.6 0.3%
Metal Cans 85.0 0.9%Organics 3,818.3 42.0%
Glass Bottles/Jars 188.3 2.1%Trash/Garbage 3,690.0 40.7%
Total Pounds from Waste Carts – 9,070.1 Pounds
Figure 3.2
Breakdown of Materials in the St. Louis Park Waste Carts
According to the sorting results, the greatest amounts of recyclable materials remaining in the waste carts are
newspapers/inserts, glass bottles/jars, office paper/mail, and clothes/linens. Though some of the
0.2%
0.2%
0.2%
0.3%
0.9%
1.4%
1.4%
1.5%
1.6%
1.6%
1.7%
2.4%
40.7%
1.9%
42.0%
0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0% 35.0% 40.0% 45.0%
Household Batteries
Consumer Electronics
Milk Cartons/Juice Boxes
HHW/Problem Materials
Metal Cans
Plastic Bottles/Jars
Boxboard
Magazines/Catalogs
Phone Books
Corrugated Paper
Clothes/Linens
Office Paper/Mail
Glass Bottles/Jars
Newspaper/Inserts
Trash/Garbage
Organics
2.1%
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Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 201
Hennepin County Suburban Recycling Recovery
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Tim Goodman & Associates 17
clothes/linens found were clean or only slightly soiled, much of this material was heavily contaminated at the
time of sorting. It is unknown whether this occurred during the collection process or if the material was dirty
when it went into the trash.
Table 3.4 shows the St. Louis Park recycling recovery rates. Most of the materials listed in Table 3.4 have at
least a 70% recovery rate with glass bottles/jars and newspapers/inserts having the highest recovery rates
(89.6% and 89.1%, respectively). The items with the lowest recovery rates are milk cartons/juice boxes
(42.8%) and clothes/linens (0.5%). These items are relatively new to the list of recyclables in St. Louis Park
(less than eight months at the time of the sort). While milk cartons/juice boxes can be placed in the bin for
containers, clothes/linens need to be put in a separate bag and placed at curbside for recycling collection.
Since this is an added step for the resident, this may explain why so little of this material is recovered for
recycling compared to what was found in the waste cart.
Table 3.4
St. Louis Park Recycling Recovery Rates
Material Recycling lbs.
from
Recycling Bin
Recycling lbs.
from Waste Cart
Total
Recyclable
Material lbs.
Recycling
Recovery
Rate
Newspapers/Inserts 1,914.9 216.8 2,131.7 89.8%
Magazines/Catalogs 505.3 138.7 644.0 78.5%
Phone Books 549.7 140.8 690.5 79.6%
Office Paper/Mail 422.0 170.6 592.6 71.2%
Boxboard 309.8 126.3 436.1 71.0%
Corrugated Cardboard 536.5 141.2 677.7 79.2%
Metal Cans 243.7 85.0 328.7 74.1%
Glass Bottles/Jars 1,535.2 188.3 1,723.5 89.1%
Plastic Bottles 326.0 129.9 455.9 71.5%
Milk Cartons/Juice Boxes 11.3 15.1 26.4 42.8%
Clothes/Linens 0.8 150.6 151.4 0.5%
Total 6,355.2 1,503.2 7,858.50 80.9%
B. MINNETONKA WASTE AND RECYCLING SORT DATA
In Minnetonka, a total of 21,785 pounds of material was sorted. Since Randy’s Environmental Services offers
curbside collection of SSO to their customers, sampled households included 175 that do not receive this
service and 188 that do, resulting in a total of 363 households.
Table 3.5 shows that Minnetonka single‐family households generate on average 37.6 pounds of waste per
week and set out approximately 22.4 pounds of recyclables weekly.
However, the weekly contents of waste carts varies significantly between those households not receiving SSO
collection service and those that do – 57.1 pounds/week and 19.5 pounds/week, respectively. Additionally,
households receiving SSO collection services tend to have lower percentages of both recyclables and organics
remaining in their waste carts (9.8% and 29.2%, respectively) when compared to those households not
receiving SSO collection service (14.3% and 47.8%, respectively).
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 202
Hennepin County Suburban Recycling Recovery
Rate Study for St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
Tim Goodman & Associates 18
In total, 63% of the material sorted in Minnetonka was from waste carts, of which 13.1% was recyclable
material. Overall, sampled households are achieving a recycling rate of approximately 37%. This is the
percentage of the total waste stream that was set out for recycling and is shown in Table 3.5.
Comparing Minnetonka household waste generation rates to those in St. Louis Park shows a significant
difference. It’s not clear why the variation is so great but it may be related to demographic differences
between the two communities (e.g., household incomes, age group stratification, etc.).
Table 3.5
Minnetonka Weekly Household Generation
from Waste Carts and Curbside Recyclables
Material
Type
Total
Pounds
Weekly Pounds
Per Household1
Percent of
Waste Carts
Percent of
Grand Total
Trash 3,789.8 21.7 37.9%
Organics 4,770.5 27.3 47.8%
Recyclables 1,425.7 8.2 14.3%
Waste Carts
(Households without
SSO collection service)
Sub‐total Waste Carts 9,986.0 57.1 100.0%
Trash 2,240.7 11.9 61.0%
Organics 1,071.9 5.7 29.2%
Recyclables 361.0 1.9 9.8%
Waste Carts
(Households with SSO
collection service)
Sub‐total Waste Carts 3,673.6 19.5 100.0%
Waste Carts Total 13,659.6 37.6 62.7%
Curbside Recyclables Total 8,125.3 22.4 37.3%
Grand Total 21,784.9 100.0%
Recycling Rate 37.3%
1 Based on a sample population of 363 households, with 175 not receiving SSO collection service and 188 receiving SSO
collection service.
With the exception of milk cartons/juice boxes and clothes/linens, the Minnetonka list of acceptable materials
for recycling is similar to that of St. Louis Park. Table 3.6 breaks out the Minnetonka curbside recyclables by
specific materials/categories (13 in total) designated for this sort.
Table 3.6
Minnetonka Curbside Recyclables Sorting Results
Category Pounds Percent Category Pounds Percent
Newspapers/Inserts 2,422.3 29.8%Glass Bottles/Jars 1,575.5 19.4%
Magazines/Catalogs 551.4 6.8%Plastic Bottles 412.9 5.1%
Phone Books 597.5 7.4%Household Batteries 0 0
Office Paper/Mail 646.1 8.0%Consumer Electronics 0 0
Boxboard 336.0 4.1%HHW/Problem Materials 8.9 0.1%
Corrugated Cardboard 798.1 9.8%Trash/Garbage (incl. organics) 547.9 6.7%
Metal Cans 228.7 2.8%
Total Pounds of Curbside Recyclables – 8,125.3 Pounds
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 203
Hennepin County Suburban Recycling Recovery
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Tim Goodman & Associates 19
As in the St. Louis Park sort, the largest component of the curbside recycling in Minnetonka is
newspapers/inserts at 29.8%. The paper category represents nearly two‐thirds of the material set out for
recycling (65.9%). The container category makes up another 27.3% with most of this (over 19%) being glass
bottles/jars.
With the exception of several household batteries (certain types which are acceptable to put into the trash),
no other batteries or consumer electronics were found in the recyclables. HHW and problem materials
accounted for 0.1% of the material sorted with almost all of this being plastic containers with product still in
them. Unlike the St. Louis Park sort, a larger amount of trash and organics was found, for a total of 6.7% of the
curbside recycling. Most of this material was trash consisting of food‐contaminated aluminum foil, plastic film,
non‐recyclable plastics, refrigerated food carton packaging, and pieces of recyclable material too small to
effectively recycle (broken glass from loading and unloading the recycling truck and moving/handling the
materials on site). Figure 3.3 is a bar chart graphically depicting the information in Table 3.6.
The waste collected for the Minnetonka sort represents two types of households – those that subscribe to SSO
collection service and those that do not. It is believed that making this distinction between the two groups
would provide additional information on:
How SSO collection impacts the amount of organics in the waste cart; and
How SSO collection reinforces the amount of recycling taking place in households.
Table 3.7 shows the waste cart sorting results. As cited earlier, milk cartons went into the organics while juice
boxes went into the trash category along with the clothes/linens. Overall, approximately 12% of the nearly
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Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 204
Hennepin County Suburban Recycling Recovery
Rate Study for St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
Tim Goodman & Associates 20
13,660 pounds of material from the waste carts consisted of recyclables while another 1% was problematic
waste (e.g., batteries, consumer electronics, HHW and other problem materials). Nearly 87% of the sorted
waste consisted of organics and trash/garbage with this split being approximately equal. Figure 3.4 is a bar
chart graphically depicting the breakdown of the total waste – waste from households that receive SSO
collection combined with waste from households not receiving this service.
Table 3.7
Minnetonka Waste Cart Sorting Results
Combined Waste Waste Without SSO Service Waste With SSO Service Category
Pounds Percent Pounds Percent Pounds Percent
Newspapers/Inserts 224.1 1.6% 172.5 1.7% 51.6 1.4%
Magazines/Catalogs 208.3 1.5% 179.0 1.8% 29.3 0.8%
Phone Books 83.0 0.6%65.5 0.6% 17.5 0.5%
Office Paper/Mail 421.8 3.1% 321.0 3.2% 100.8 2.7%
Boxboard 172.3 1.3% 141.7 1.4% 30.6 0.8%
Corrugated Cardboard 153.5 1.1% 115.0 1.1% 38.5 1.0%
Metal Cans 75.6 0.6%55.8 0.6% 19.8 0.5%
Glass Bottles/Jars 211.9 1.5% 189.5 1.9% 22.4 0.6%
Plastic Bottles 117.8 0.9%89.2 0.9% 28.6 0.8%
Household Batteries 11.3 0.1%6.5 0.1% 4.8 0.1%
Consumer Electronics 45.6 0.3%41.7 0.4% 3.9 0.1%
HHW/Problem Materials 61.5 0.5%48.3 0.5% 13.2 0.4%
Organics 5,842.4 42.8%4,770.5 47.8% 1,071.9 29.2%
Trash/Garbage 6,030.5 44.1%3,789.8 38.0% 2,240.7 61.0%
Total Pounds 13,659.6 100.0%9,986.0 100.0% 3,673.6 100.0%
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Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 205
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Tim Goodman & Associates 21
Figure 3.4
Breakdown of Materials in the Combined Minnetonka Waste Carts
According to the sorting results, office paper/mail appears to represent the single greatest amount of
recyclable material remaining in the waste carts, whether it is generated by households receiving SSO
collection service (2.7%) or by households not participating in SSO collection programs (3.2%). Some of this
paper in the waste cart may be due to residents’ concern about identity theft from recycling the paper.
Of the 9,986 pounds of waste coming from routes not having SSO collection service, approximately 13%
consisted of materials that could have been recycled. Household batteries, consumer electronics, HHW and
problem materials made up 1% of the materials sorted. Of this amount (118.4 pounds), nearly 52% was
HHW/problem materials with another 38.5% being consumer electronics. Approximately 86% of the sorted
waste was organics and trash/garbage with over half of that material falling into the organics category.
Of the approximately 3,674 pounds of residential waste coming from routes with SSO collection service, 9% of
the waste sorted consisted of materials that could have been recycled. Household batteries, consumer
electronics, HHW and problem materials made up 0.6% of the waste cart contents. This left approximately
90% of the sorted waste consisting of organics and trash/garbage with fully two‐thirds of that material falling
into the trash/garbage category.
As noted earlier, on average, households not participating in SSO collection programs generate approximately
57.1 pounds of waste per week as compared to 19.5 pounds of waste per week from those households
participating in SSO collection programs. However, the difference in weekly waste cart contents can be broken
down even further to examine specific components contained in the waste carts. Figure 3.5 depicts the
difference in weekly household generation rates for various constituents of the waste carts from households
not receiving SSO collection services and from those that do.
0.1%
0.3%
0.5%
0.6%
0.6%
0.9%
1.3%
1.5%
1.5%
1.6%
44.1%
3.1%
0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0% 35.0% 40.0% 45.0% 50.0%
Household Batteries
Consumer Electronics
HHW/Problem Materials
Metal Cans
Phone Books
Plastic Bottles
Corrugated Cardboard
Boxboard
Magazines/Catalogs
Glass Bottles/Jars
Newspaper/Inserts
Office Paper/Mail
Organics
Trash/Garbage
42.8%
1.1%
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Tim Goodman & Associates 22
57.1
19.5
5.7
1.4 1.9
0.4 0.6 0.1
27.3
5.7
21.7
20.2
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Total WasteCart
Contents
Recyclable Paper Recyclable
Containers
HHW/Problem
Materials,
Batteries &
Electronics
Organics Trash/Garbage
HH Without SSO Service HH With SSO ServiceLbs./Household/WeekFigure 3.5
Comparison of Average Weekly Pounds of Waste per Household Broken Down
By Recyclables, Organics, Trash and Other Constituents
For households not participating in an SSO collection program, the amount of organics found in the waste carts
is nearly five times as great on a per household basis as the amount found in waste coming from households
participating in an SSO collection program. Furthermore, households participating in SSO collection programs
appear to be more motivated and involved in recycling programs. The average weekly amount of waste
coming from the SSO collection program households contained four times less recyclable paper and five times
less recyclable containers. In addition, household batteries, consumer electronics, HHW and other problem
materials were found in significantly lower amounts in waste coming from households participating in SSO
programs.
Based on numbers provided by Randy’s Environmental Services, the total amount of SSO collected during the
week of the sort was approximately 4,940 pounds coming from approximately 267 households. This indicates,
on average, approximately 18.5 pounds per household. Adding this to the average weekly household amount
of organics remaining in the waste carts gives an overall average weekly generation rate of approximately 24.2
pounds of organics from those households participating in an SSO collection program. This puts the weekly
generation of organics closer in line to what is seen in households not receiving SSO collection service.
The amount of organics remaining in the waste carts, especially for households not currently participating in
SSO collection programs, points to the potential for diverting a significant portion of the contents of waste
carts to an organics collection program. However, the total percentage of organics may be lower than what is
reported here. This is due to some amount of wind‐blown sand being added and because it was the beginning
of the yard and garden season. While yard waste is banned from disposal, it was definitely observed during
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 207
Hennepin County Suburban Recycling Recovery
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Tim Goodman & Associates 23
the sorting process although it was not quantified. Based on all of this, the percentage of household organics,
exclusive of yard waste, found in the Minnetonka waste carts may be somewhat over‐represented in the sort
data.
Table 3.8 shows the Minnetonka recycling recovery rates. As recyclables collected from households receiving
SSO collection services were not tracked separately from those that do not receive this service, the comparison
here is based on the total amount of waste sorted.
Most of the materials listed in Table 3.8 have at least a 75% recycling recovery rate, with newspapers/inserts
having a very high recovery rate of better than 90%. Glass bottles/jars and corrugated cardboard come in at
88.1% and 83.9%, respectively. Though showing a strong recovery rate, boxboard (66.1%) and office
paper/mail (60.5%) have room for improvement in terms of their recovery potential.
Table 3.8
Minnetonka Recycling Recovery Rates
Material
Recycling from
Recycling Bin (lbs.)
Recycling from
Waste Cart (lbs.)
Total Recyclable
Material (lbs.)
Recycling
Recovery Rate
Newspapers/Inserts 2,422.3 224.1 2,646.4 91.5%
Magazines/Catalogs 551.4 208.3 759.7 72.6%
Phone Books 597.5 83.0 680.5 87.8%
Office Paper/Mail 646.1 421.8 1,067.9 60.5%
Boxboard 336.0 172.3 508.3 66.1%
Corrugated Cardboard 798.1 153.5 951.6 83.9%
Metal Cans 228.7 75.6 304.3 75.2%
Glass Bottles/Jars 1,575.5 211.9 1,787.4 88.1%
Plastic Bottles 412.9 117.8 530.7 77.8%
Total 7,568.5 1,668.3 9,236.8 81.9%
C. COMPARISON OF ST. LOUIS PARK AND MINNETONKA SORT RESULTS
In comparing the St. Louis Park sorting results to the Minnetonka sorting results, there are several differences
in the way the two communities manage their waste and recycling collection programs that likely have some
influence on the results. These were noted in the Introduction and include:
Organized collection of waste in St. Louis Park versus an open collection system in Minnetonka;
Dual‐stream recycling collection in St. Louis Park versus single‐stream collection in Minnetonka; and
No SSO collection services offered in St. Louis Park compared to having this option in Minnetonka.
Table 3.9 compares the composition of the curbside recyclables for St. Louis Park and Minnetonka. In Table
3.9, the milk cartons/juice boxes and clothes/linens categories in St. Louis Park were removed and the
percentages adjusted accordingly. As the Minnetonka recycling program does not target these materials,
removing them from the mix provides a slightly more accurate comparison of the two recycling programs.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 208
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Rate Study for St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
Tim Goodman & Associates 24
Table 3.9
Comparison of Curbside Recyclables Sorting
Results – St. Louis Park and Minnetonka1
St. Louis Park Minnetonka
Category Pounds Percent Pounds Percent
Newspapers/Inserts 1,914.9 29.4%2,422.3 29.8%
Magazines/Catalogs 505.3 7.8% 551.4 6.8%
Phone Books 549.7 8.4% 597.5 7.4%
Office Paper/Mail 422.0 6.5% 646.1 8.0%
Boxboard 309.8 4.8% 336.0 4.1%
Corrugated Cardboard 536.5 8.2% 798.1 9.8%
Metal Cans 243.7 3.7% 228.7 2.8%
Glass Bottles/Jars 1,535.2 23.5%1,575.5 19.4%
Plastic Bottles 326.0 5.0% 412.9 5.1%
Household Batteries 0 0%0 0
Consumer Electronics 0.4 < 0.01%0 0
HHW/Problem Materials 0.3 <0.01%8.9 0.1%
Trash/Garbage (incl. organics) 173.2 2.7% 547.9 6.7%
Total 6,517.0 100.0%8,125.3 100.0%
1 For comparison purposes, the categories of milk cartons/juice boxes and clothes/linens under the St. Louis Park program have been
removed and the data adjusted. Since the City of Minnetonka does not include these items in their recycling program, removal from
the above data set provides a more accurate side‐by‐side comparison of the recyclables composition.
Based on the data in this table, it appears that most of the materials in the recycling bins of each community
are found in the same approximate proportions and do not differ significantly from each other. There are,
however, a few items that tend to show up more in one community’s recycling bin than in the other.
One example is that glass bottles/jars are more prevalent in the St. Louis Park recycling bins than in the
Minnetonka recycling bins. This may be due to demographic differences. For example, a higher economic
status, more likely found in Minnetonka, may suggest greater buying or growing of fresh foods, as well as
eating more meals away from home. As a result, the generation of bottles and cans, many of which would
have contained food and beverages, may be at a lower rate in Minnetonka.
Other items that are more prevalent in one community’s recycling bin could be linked to different program
characteristics. The amount of trash/garbage found in the Minnetonka recycling program is notably higher
than in St. Louis Park’s program. Several reasons may account for this.
First, Minnetonka’s recycling vendor (Waste Management) operates a single‐stream program for curbside
recycling. Minnetonka residents place recyclables in curbside bins or in paper bags set next to bins. Drivers
load recyclables into the truck commingled (as a single stream) for delivery to the Waste Management
recycling facility where it is mechanically separated.
Second, there is very little continuous residential recycling education taking place in Minnetonka. As a result, a
number of non‐recyclable items end up in the recycling truck including food‐contaminated aluminum foil,
plastic film, non‐recyclable plastics, refrigerated food carton packaging, and pieces of recyclable material too
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 209
Hennepin County Suburban Recycling Recovery
Rate Study for St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
Tim Goodman & Associates 25
small to effectively recycle (likely broken glass). The non‐recyclable items in the recycling bins that are loaded
into the truck end up being managed at Waste Management’s recycling facility as a processing residue.
In St. Louis Park, the dual‐stream collection program also uses bins for collecting recyclables, however, the
Eureka collection crews will typically not take something if it’s non‐recyclable. Instead, they will leave it in the
bin along with a tag letting the customer know why it was left. St Louis Park changed recycling collection
contractors in October, 2008, providing an opportunity for extensive recycling re‐education of the residents.
Table 3.10 isolates the recyclables remaining in the waste carts from each community. For the most part, the
recyclables remaining in the waste vary only by a small amount. However, one category appears to be present
in the Minnetonka waste stream in a significantly larger proportion than in the St. Louis Park waste stream –
office paper/mail.
Table 3.10
Comparison of Recyclables Remaining in the Waste Carts
for St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
St. Louis Park
Minnetonka
(w/o SSO Service)
Minnetonka
(with SSO Service)
Category Pounds Percent Pounds Percent Pounds Percent
Newspapers/Inserts 216.8 14.4%172.5 13.0% 51.6 15.2%
Magazines/Catalogs 138.7 9.2% 179.0 13.5% 29.3 8.7%
Phone Books 140.8 9.4%65.5 4.9% 17.5 5.2%
Office Paper/Mail 170.6 11.4%321.0 24.1% 100.8 29.7%
Boxboard 126.3 8.4% 141.7 10.7% 30.6 9.0%
Corrugated Cardboard 141.2 9.4% 115.0 8.7% 38.5 11.4%
Metal Cans 85.0 5.7%55.8 4.2% 19.8 5.8%
Glass Bottles/Jars 188.3 12.5%189.5 14.2% 22.4 6.6%
Plastic Bottles 129.9 8.6%89.2 6.7% 28.6 8.4%
Milk Cartons/Juice Boxes 15.1 1.0%‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
Clothes/Linens 150.6 10.0%‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
Total 1,503.3 100.0%1,329.2 100.0% 339.1 100.0%
Focusing on the recycling recovery rate for specific materials (Table 3.11), both St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
residents are doing a good job at recovering many of the more traditional recyclables from the MSW stream
including newspapers/inserts, glass bottles/jars, phone books, and corrugated cardboard. The recovery rates
are nearly 80% or better for all of these materials
Both communities are currently seeing recycling recovery rates of between 60% and 71% for office paper/mail
and boxboard. Though these materials have a relatively high recovery rate, the sorts indicated there are more
of these materials in the waste stream that could be recycled. In Minnetonka, specifically, there is room for
improved recovery of office paper/mail and boxboard with the current recovery rates at 60.5% and 66.1%,
respectively.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 210
Hennepin County Suburban Recycling Recovery
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Tim Goodman & Associates 26
Table 3.11
Comparison of Recycling Recovery Rates for
St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
Category St. Louis Park Minnetonka
Newspapers/Inserts 89.8%91.5%
Magazines/Catalogs 78.5%72.6%
Phone Books 79.6%87.8%
Office Paper/Mail 71.2%60.5%
Boxboard 71.0%66.1%
Corrugated Cardboard 79.2%83.9%
Metal Cans 74.1%75.2%
Glass Bottles/Jars 89.1%88.1%
Plastic Bottles 71.5%77.8%
Milk Cartons/Juice Boxes 42.8%‐‐‐‐‐
Clothes/Linens 0.5%‐‐‐‐‐
St. Louis Park has recently added two items to its recycling program that have not been a component of past
recycling programs – milk cartons/juice boxes and clothes/linens. These items have been incorporated into
the program just within the last nine months. For such a short period of time, the recycling recovery rate of
milk cartons/juice boxes is high. The recycling of clothes/linens, however, has to date not been embraced by
residents. This may be due to being unaware of the recycling option for this material or the perception that
it’s too difficult to prepare these materials for recycling (placing in a separate plastic bag and setting it out at
curbside). In addition, many residents that have used clothes/linens will give them to a friend or neighbor for
reuse, sell them at a garage sale, or donate them to a charity.
In comparing the problem materials found in the recycling and waste sorts, more of these materials were
found in the Minnetonka sort (Table 3.12). Even taking into account the larger amount of recyclables and
waste sorted in Minnetonka – 21,785 pounds compared to 15,600 pounds in St. Louis Park – Minnetonka had
three times as many consumer electronics and 2 ½ times as much HHW/problem materials as St. Louis Park.
Still, in both communities, the overall amount of these types of materials in the waste carts and the curbside
recyclables accounted for approximately 0.5% of the total materials sorted.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 211
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Tim Goodman & Associates 27
Table 3.12
Comparison of Problem Materials Found in the
Recycling and Waste Sorts in St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
St. Louis Park Minnetonka
Category
Recycling
Samples
(lbs.)
Waste
Samples
(lbs.)
Total
(lbs.)
Percent of
Total
Materials
Sorted
Recycling
Samples
(lbs.)
Waste
Samples
(lbs.)
Total
(lbs.)
Percent of
Total
Materials
Sorted
Household
Batteries
0 16.2 16.2 0.1%0 11.3 11.3 < 0.1%
Consumer
Electronics
0.4 14.7 15.1 < 0.1%0 45.6 45.6 0.2%
HHW/Problem
Materials
0.3 27.6 27.9 0.2%8.9 61.5 70.4 0.3%
Total 0.7 58.5 59.2 < 0.4%8.9 118.4 127.3 < 0.6%
Finally, regarding the organics portion of the waste cart contents, overall this represented approximately 42%
to 43%. There was, however, a stark difference in the amount of organics in the waste carts for Minnetonka
households not subscribing to SSO collection service as compared to those that do – 48% to 29%, respectively.
This leads to a couple of observations.
Collecting SSO for composting has a significant impact on the amount of organics going into waste carts,
reducing this amount by approximately 75% (4,771 pounds to 1,072 pounds). The sorting completed for this
study also points to the potential for recovering more organics from those households already receiving this
service.
The other observation is that if you compare the St. Louis Park organics component to Minnetonka’s organics
component just from those households not receiving SSO collection service, the organics portion is 43% and
48% for St. Louis Park and Minnetonka, respectively. This difference may have several explanations including:
Impacts of on‐site sand within the Minnetonka organics fraction; and/or
Larger amounts of yard waste that were observed in the Minnetonka waste samples.
Other demographic characteristics such as income and age disparities within the two communities may also
play some role in the differences.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
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Tim Goodman & Associates 28
IV. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
As stated in the Introduction, the primary goal of this study is to determine the recycling recovery rate of
materials in curbside recycling programs of two Hennepin County communities – St. Louis Park and
Minnetonka – and assess the potential to increase it. Knowing this can help Hennepin County, as well as St.
Louis Park and Minnetonka, identify specific materials in the waste carts for more aggressive recovery efforts.
A. CONCLUSIONS
Based on the collected data and analysis, the conclusions drawn from this study include the following:
St. Louis Park Conclusions
Of the recyclables set out by residents, 64.8% was paper, 32.4% was containers, and 2.7% was combined
trash/organics. Household batteries, consumer electronics and HHW/problem materials accounted for
less than 0.1% as did clothes/linens.
The most predominant materials in the curbside recyclables were newspapers/inserts (29.3%) and glass
bottles/jars (23.5%).
Of the waste cart contents, 10.3% was recyclable paper and 4.6% were containers.
Of the recyclables remaining in the waste carts, those that were found in the largest amounts included:
o Newspapers/Inserts – 2.4%
o Glass Bottles/Jars – 2.1%
o Office Paper/Mail – 1.8%.
Comparing the recyclables from the curbside program with the recyclables found in the waste carts, five
categories have a recycling recovery rate of 75% or greater including:
o Newspapers/Inserts – 89.8%
o Glass Bottles/Jars – 89.1%
o Phone Books – 79.6%
o Corrugated Cardboard – 79.2%
o Magazines/Catalogs – 78.5%
Organics (food waste, non‐recyclable paper, and yard waste) accounted for 42.0% of the contents of the
waste carts.
Minnetonka Conclusions
Of the recyclables set out by residents, 65.9% was paper, 27.3% was containers, and 6.7% was combined
trash/organics. Household batteries, consumer electronics and HHW/problem materials account for
another 0.1%.
The most predominant materials in the curbside recyclables were newspapers/inserts (29.8%) and glass
bottles/jars (19.4%).
Of the combined waste cart contents (households with and without SSO collection) generated by
residents, 9.2% was recyclable paper and 3.0% were containers.
Of the recyclables remaining in the combined contents of waste carts, those that were found in the largest
amounts included:
o Office Paper/Mail – 3.1%
o Newspapers/Inserts – 1.6%
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Tim Goodman & Associates 29
o Magazines/Catalogs – 1.5%
o Glass Bottles/Jars – 1.5%
There were noticeable waste composition differences between households receiving SSO collection and
those not receiving this service.
Households receiving SSO collection services:
o The recyclable paper category made up 7.2% of the contents of the waste carts with another
1.9% being containers. Organics accounted for 29.2% of the contents of the waste carts.
o Of the recyclables remaining in the waste carts, one material that was found to be present in
significant amounts was office paper/mail (2.7%).
Households not receiving SSO collection services:
o Recyclable paper made up 9.8% of the contents of the waste cart, with another 3.4% being
containers. Organics accounted for 47.8% of the waste.
o Of the recyclables remaining in the waste carts, those that were found in the largest amounts
included:
Office Paper/Mail – 3.2%
Glass Bottles/Jars – 1.9%
Magazines/Catalogs – 1.8%
Newspapers/Inserts – 1.7%
Comparing the recyclables from the curbside program with the recyclables found in the combined
contents of waste carts, six categories have a recycling recovery rate of 75% or greater including:
Newspapers/Inserts – 91.5%
Glass Bottles/Jars – 88.1%
Phone Books – 87.8%
Corrugated Cardboard – 83.9%
Plastic Bottles – 77.8%
Metal Cans – 75.2%
The waste cart contents of households participating in the SSO collection program consisted of 29.2%
organics while the waste generated by households not participating in the SSO collection program
consisted of 47.8% organics.
Households participating in the SSO collection program appear to be more motivated and involved in their
recycling efforts than their neighbors not participating in an SSO collection program. The average weekly
waste cart pounds per household of those participating in SSO collection efforts contained four times less
recyclable paper and five times less recyclable containers than those not participating in an SSO collection
program.
General Comparative Conclusions
In both St. Louis Park and Minnetonka, the general proportion of the recyclable materials found in the
curbside bins are similar with glass bottles/jars having a slightly higher presence in the St. Louis Park bins –
23.5% in St. Louis Park versus 19.4% in Minnetonka.
The amount of non‐recyclable materials found in the Minnetonka curbside bins is significantly greater than
what was observed in the St. Louis Park bins – 6.7% compared to 2.7%, respectively.
Comparing the organics component of the waste cart contents, SSO collection programs have a significant
impact on the diversion of this material.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 214
Hennepin County Suburban Recycling Recovery
Rate Study for St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
Tim Goodman & Associates 30
Reinforcing what was observed in Minnetonka, households participating in SSO collection programs
appear to be more motivated and involved in their recycling efforts. Recyclable paper and containers
found in the St. Louis Park waste carts made up 10.3% and 4.6%, respectively, of the overall composition.
This is comparable to what was observed in the Minnetonka sort for households not receiving SSO
collection services (9.8% and 3.4%, respectively) and is significantly higher than the sorting results for the
Minnetonka households that are receiving SSO collection services (7.2% and 1.9%, respectively).
B. RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the findings of the study the following recommendations are made:
1. In selecting which materials found in the waste carts should be the focus of educational outreach activities
for improving recovery rates, consideration should be given to both the current recovery rate of various
materials and the total amount of those materials in the waste stream that can realistically be recovered.
Those materials that appear to have the best potential for further recovery efforts include the paper
category in general, but more specifically office paper/mail and boxboard. Additionally, efforts to recover
more glass bottles and jars from the waste carts could help increase community recycling rates due in part
to the density (weight) of this material.
2. In addition to educational outreach efforts for increasing recycling, educational activities should be
undertaken to inform residents of which materials should not go in their recycling containers. This is
especially true in Minnetonka where trash and organics was nearly 7% of what was found in the curbside
recyclables.
3. With organics being over 40% of the contents of waste carts in both St. Louis Park and in those
Minnetonka households not participating in the SSO collection program, efforts should be continued to
implement residential SSO programs. Not only will this recover more organics for composting, but based
on the study results, increased levels of recycling will likely occur with the implementation of SSO
collection programs.
4. As time and funding permits, additional recycling recovery rate studies in suburban Hennepin County
communities should be conducted to build up a database of program information. Further refinements to
the sampling/sorting methodology are also recommended to fine‐tune the sorting protocol. One such
refinement would be a further breakdown of the organics stream into yard waste and other organics.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 215
Tim Goodman & Associates 31
APPENDIX A
MATERIAL SORTING CATEGORIES
ST. LOUIS PARK SORTING CATEGORIES
Category What to Include ‐ YES What NOT to include ‐ NO
Paper
Newspaper and
Supplements
Newsprints and inserts. No crumpled newspaper, plastic
bags/wrappers.
Magazines and Catalogs Glossy paper (any thickness). No plastic bags/wrappers.
Phonebooks Any kind of phone books. No plastic bags/wrappers.
Office Paper and Mail All office paper, file folders, envelopes
(with/without windows) notebook paper,
spiral notebooks, computer paper, junk
mail, shredded paper in a closed paper bag.
No plastic bags/wrappers, gift wrap,
ribbons or tissue paper, photographs.
Boxboard Dry food boxes (cereal, cracker, cake, snack
boxes), detergent boxes, tissue boxes,
toothpaste boxes, shoe boxes, gift boxes,
toy/game boxes, pop & beer boxes.
No egg cartons, frozen/refrigerated
food boxes, milk/juice/soup cartons,
boxes with food or grease.
Corrugated Cardboard Most corrugated boxes, cardboard tubes,
boxes for office products and electronics
No waxed cardboard, pizza boxes.
Metal
Metal Cans Steel food containers including pet food,
metal can lids, jar lids, bottle caps,
aluminum beverage containers, clean
aluminum foil, clean aluminum trays.
No cans that contained hazardous
substances, scrap metal, cookware
other metals, dirty aluminum
foils/trays.
Glass
Glass Bottles and Jars All food and beverage glass containers. No broken glass, glass dishes or
glasses, ceramics, mirrors, Pyrex,
window glass, light bulbs.
Plastic Bottles and Jars (Plastic Containers With Necks Only)
Plastic Bottles With
Necks
Soda and water bottles, milk jugs, plastic
food jars, laundry/dish detergents,
shampoos.
No yogurt or margarine tubs, cups or
plates, plastic bags, plastic wrap,
motor oil bottles, Styrofoam, take‐out
containers (clamshells), flower pots,
bottles that contained hazardous
substances,
Aseptic Packaging
Milk Cartons and Juice
Boxes
Milk/juice/soup cartons. Aluminum juice pouches, snack bags
(potato chips, pretzels, etc.).
Textiles
Clothes and Linens Towels, sheets, blankets, curtains, belts,
coats, hats, gloves, shoes and boots.
No wet or dirty clothes, rags, cloth
scraps.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 216
Tim Goodman & Associates 32
ST. LOUIS PARK SORTING CATEGORIES
(continued)
Category What to Include ‐ YES What NOT to include ‐ NO
Problem Materials
Household Batteries All small batteries including button
batteries.
No automobile batteries (see
household hazardous waste).
Consumer Electronics All electronic items or small appliances
containing circuit boards.
Non‐electronic appliances (place in
garbage).
Household Hazardous
Waste (HHW) and Other
Problem Materials.
Paints, pesticides, insecticides, weed killer,
fluorescent bulbs, motor oil, automobile
batteries, items containing mercury,
poisons, aerosols, other chemicals.
No empty aerosol cans (place in
garbage).
Organics
Biodegradable and
Compostable Materials
All organic materials that are not typically
recycled including all food waste, yard
waste and non‐recyclable paper including
egg cartons, pizza boxes, waxed boxes,
paper cups/plates paper towels/napkins,
facial tissue, frozen/refrigerated food
boxes, loose shredded/crumpled paper, gift
wrap, take‐out paper food containers,
paper bags, waxed paper, paper fast food
wrappers, coffee grounds, coffee filters, tea
bags, ALL FOOD SCRAPS.
Chip bags, candy wrappers, foil juice
pouches, plastic food wrap, discarded
clothing, cloth or disposable diapers
(place in garbage).
Household Trash and Garbage
Household Trash and
Garbage
Everything else that does not biodegrade or
decompose (plastic toys, plastic packaging,
wrappers, Styrofoam, condiment packets,
foil bags, other misc. metal items, ceramic
cups, glass items, mirrors, rubber, bricks or
stones, etc).
No organic materials listed above.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 217
Tim Goodman & Associates 33
MINNETONKA SORTING CATEGORIES
Category What to Include ‐ YES What NOT to include ‐ NO
Paper
Newspaper and
Supplements
Newsprint and inserts. No crumpled newspaper, plastic
bags/wrappers.
Magazines and Catalogs Glossy paper (any thickness). No plastic bags/wrappers.
Phonebooks Any kind of phone books. No plastic bags/wrappers.
Office Paper and Mail All office paper, file folders, envelopes
(with/without windows) notebook
paper, hard and soft‐cover books,
computer paper, junk mail.
No plastic bags/wrappers, gift
wrap, shredded paper,
photographs.
Boxboard Dry food boxes (cereal, cracker, cake,
snack boxes), detergent boxes, tissue
boxes, toothpaste boxes, shoe boxes,
gift boxes, toy/game boxes, pop & beer
boxes.
No egg cartons,
frozen/refrigerated food boxes,
milk/juice/soup cartons, boxes
with food or grease.
Corrugated Cardboard Most corrugated boxes, cardboard
tubes, boxes for office products and
electronics.
No waxed cardboard, pizza boxes.
Metal
Metal Cans Steel food containers including pet
food, aluminum beverage containers,
clean aluminum foil, clean aluminum
trays.
No cans that contained hazardous
substances, scrap metal,
cookware, other metals, bottle
caps, dirty aluminum foils/trays.
Glass
Glass Bottles and Jars All food and beverage glass containers. No broken glass, glass dishes or
glasses, ceramics, mirrors, Pyrex,
window glass, light bulbs.
Plastic Bottles(Plastic Containers With Necks Only)
Plastic Bottles With
Necks.
Soda and water bottles, milk jugs,
plastic food jars, laundry/dish
detergent/shampoo bottles.
No yogurt or margarine tubs, cups
or plates, plastic bags, plastic
wrap, motor oil bottles,
Styrofoam, plastic take‐out
containers (clamshells), flower
pots, bottles that contained
hazardous substances.
Problem Materials
Household Batteries All small batteries including button
batteries.
No automobile batteries (see
household hazardous waste).
Consumer Electronics All electronic items or small appliances
containing circuit boards.
Non‐electronic appliances (place
in garbage).
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 218
Tim Goodman & Associates 34
MINNETONKA SORTING CATEGORIES
(continued)
Category What to Include ‐ YES What NOT to include ‐ NO
Problem Materials (continued)
Household Hazardous
Waste (HHW) and Other
Problem Materials.
Paints, pesticides, insecticides, weed
killer, fluorescent bulbs, motor oil,
automobile batteries, items containing
mercury, poisons, aerosols, other
chemicals.
No empty aerosol cans (place in
garbage).
Organics
Biodegradable and
Compostable Materials
All organic materials that are not
typically recycled including all food
waste, yard waste and non‐recyclable
paper including egg cartons, pizza
boxes, milk/juice/soup cartons, waxed
boxes, frozen/refrigerated food boxes,
facial tissue, paper cups/plates, loose
shredded or crumpled paper, gift wrap,
paper towels/napkins, take‐out paper
food containers, paper bags, waxed
paper, paper fast food wrappers, coffee
grounds, coffee filters, tea bags, ALL
FOOD SCRAPS.
Chip bags, candy wrappers, foil
juice pouches, plastic food wrap,
discarded clothing, cloth or
disposable diapers (place in
garbage).
Household Trash and Garbage
Household Trash and
Garbage
Everything else that does not
biodegrade or decompose (plastic toys,
plastic packaging, wrappers,
Styrofoam, condiment packets, foil
bags, other misc. metal items, ceramic
cups, glass items, linens, clothes and
other textiles, rubber, bricks or stones,
etc.
No organic materials listed above.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 219
Tim Goodman & Associates 35
APPENDIX B
ST. LOUIS PARK SITE PLAN
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 220
Tim Goodman & Associates 36
APPENDIX C
ST. LOUIS PARK SORTING PHOTOS
Photo 1: Pile of Paper to be Sorted Photo 2: Sorting Table and Tools
Photo 4: Garbage to Be Sorted Photo 3: Sorting Curbside Recyclables
Photo 5: Crew at Work Sorting a Waste Sample
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 221
Tim Goodman & Associates 37
Photo 6: Category Sorting Guidance Sign Photo 7: Green Sorting Bins
Photo 8: Battery Bucket Photo 9: Weighing the Sorted Materials
Photo 10: Recording Data Onsite
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 222
Tim Goodman & Associates 38
APPENDIX D
MINNETONKA SITE PLAN
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 223
Tim Goodman & Associates 39
APPENDIX E
MINNETONKA SORTING PHOTOS
Photo 1: Sorting Supply Table Photo 2: 5‐gallon Pails for Excess Liquids
Photo 4: Sorting for Organics Photo 3: Waste Sample Minus Recyclables
Photo 5: Roll‐Off for Sorted Recyclables Photo 6: Onsite Data Entry
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 224
Tim Goodman & Associates 40
Photo 7: Corralled Recyclables Photo 8: Set Up For Sorting Recyclables
Photo 9: Sorting Recyclables Photo 10: Sorted Corrugated Cardboard
Photo 11: Sorted Plastic Containers Photo 12: Trash From Sorting Recyclables
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 225
ENVIRONMENTAL ITEMS AND ACTIVITIES
Council Meeting Presentations, Study Session Items and Reports
January, 2008 – August, 2010
January 7, 2008 Motion to authorize execution of a contract with Progressive Consulting
Engineers (PCE) for engineering services related to Water Project - WTP #8
Filter Rehabilitation.
January 22, 2008 Approve Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission Appointments.
February 4, 2008 Approve Resolution supporting grant application to MN Housing for
assistance in funding a pilot green remodeling program.
February 19, 2008 Execute a contract with Rainbow Tree Care, Inc. to be the 2008 Arbotect
20-S Elm Injection contractor at a cost of $12.15 per diameter inch.
Designate Top Notch Tree Care as the lowest responsible bidder and
authorize execution a contract for the 2008 Diseased Trees on Private
Property Removal Program in an amount not to exceed $136,380.
Execute a contract with B.J. Haines Tree Service for the 2008 Boulevard
Tree and Stump Removal Program in an amount not to exceed $118,286.
February 25, 2008 Discussion: Vision Strategic Direction Discussion.
Focus Area: Investigating the Need and Purpose for an Energy/
Environmental Commission.
Discussion: Solid Waste Collection Proposals.
Discussion: Consideration of Commercial Properties in the Soil Vapor Study
Area.
March 3, 2008 Motion to adopt Resolution which designates Eureka Recycling for
residential recycling collection services and Waste Management for residential
refuse and yard waste collection services containing provisions determined by
the proposal process and authorizes the Mayor and City Manager to execute
contracts with respective companies for those services.
March 17, 2008 Motion to approve Resolution supporting Hennepin County’s Active Living
Principles. Hennepin County Commissioner Gail Dorfman will be present
to speak in support of the Resolution.
April 28, 2008 Report: Vegetation Ordinance.
KLM Engineering Contract Water Project EWT #4 No. 2007-1500.
BARR Engineering Company Contract Surface Water Management Plan.
May 5, 2008 Motion to Adopt First Reading of Ordinance to Adopt Changes to Chapter
34 of Ordinance and to set Second Reading for May 12, 2008.
Approve 2008 Neighborhood Grants.
May 19, 2008 Enter into the Twin City Environmental Health Mutual Aid Agreement.
May 12, 2008 Discussion: Fern Hill Park Capital Improvements.
Discussion: Vision Strategic Direction Discussion.
Focus Area: Expanding Energy Efficiencies in the City’s Operations.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 226
June 16, 2008 EPA Highway 7 and Wooddale Avenue Vapor Intrusion Investigation
Presentation.
Motion to adopt Resolution approving placement of fill in Fern Hill Park
with conditions.
June 23, 2008 Council Canoe Ride.
Report: City Hall Exterior Renovations.
July 7, 2008 Motion to approve a resolution certifying the Environmental Assessment
Worksheet (EAW) prepared for the Minnehaha Creek Restoration –
Methodist Hospital dated January 25, 2007 as an adequate examination of the
environmental impacts of the proposed development and accepting the
Record of Decision, including Response to Comments, Findings of Fact and
Conclusion declaring no need for an Environmental Impact Statement.
August 4, 2008 Adopt Resolution ordering the abatement of the hazardous buildings located
at 7508 West Lake Street.
August 11, 2008 Report: Update on Water Monitoring.
August 25, 2008 Report Solid Waste Program Update.
Report Update on Energy Audit of City Facilities.
September 2, 2008 Discussion: Vision Strategic Direction Discussion.
Focus Area: Preserving, enhancing and providing good stewardship of our
Parks.
Authorize execution of a contract with Calgon Carbon Corporation for the
purchase of Granular Activated Carbon in the amount of $125,500.
September 15, 2008 Adopt Resolution authorizing a Hennepin County Grant Agreement to fund
the City’s curbside recycling program.
Accept Donation from American Legion Post 282 in the amount of $500 for
use at Westwood Nature Center.
Adopt Resolution accepting Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Federal Recreational Trail Grant.
September 22, 2008 Discussion: Southwest Transit Draft Environmental Impact Statement
(DEIS Update).
Discussion: Vision Strategic Direction Discussion.
Focus Area: Educating staff and the public on environmental consciousness,
stewardship and best practices.
Discussion: Vision Strategic Direction Discussion.
Focus Area: Working in areas such as the rehab loan program, development
projects, permits, etc., encourage (and provide initiatives where appropriate)
green building design (LEED), creation of open spaces, environmental
innovations, etc.
October 6, 2008 Approve Amendment No. 1 to Contract 06-08 - Water Project - WTP #8
Filter Rehabilitation - Project 2006-2000.
October 13, 2008 Report: Hoigaard Village Update & Environmental Assessment Worksheet.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 227
October 27, 2008 Discussion: Excess land sale proceeds.
Report: Foreclosed properties update.
November 17, 2008 Designate EnComm Midwest, Inc. the lowest responsible bidder and
authorize execution of a contract with the firm in the amount of $533,335
for Water Project – Water Treatment Plant No. 8 – Project No. 2006-2000.
November 24, 2008 Report: Update on energy analysis of City facilities.
Report: Need for public utility easement for Ellipse on Excelsior project.
December 1, 2008 Approve S & S Tree and Horticulture, Inc. as the 2009 Boulevard Tree
Pruning Contractor.
December 15, 2008 Energy Audit of City Facilities Preliminary Findings Presentation.
Approve Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. 127-07 with ENSR Consulting
and Engineering for consultant services related to the implementation of the
Reilly Tar & Chemical Corporation (Reilly) Remedial Action Plan (RAP)
during year 2009.
Adopt the Water Supply Plan approved by the Department of Natural
Resources
January 5, 2009 Motion to adopt Resolution authorizing final payment in the amount of
$40,363.72 for the Minnetonka Boulevard Trail Improvement Project -
Project No. 2004-0302 with DMJ Corporation, Contract No. 105-07.
January 12, 2009 Discussion: Utility rate study.
January 20, 2009 Motion to Adopt Resolution Approving a Major Amendment to a Special
Permit for Athletic Facility Improvements at 2501 Highway 100 South.
Motion to Adopt Resolution Approving a Conditional Use Permit for
floodplain modifications at 2501 Highway 100 South.
Motion to Adopt Resolution Approving a Conditional Use Permit for fill in
excess of 400 cubic yards at 2501 Highway 100 South
January 26, 2009 Discussion: Council policy question, refuse billing.
Report: Domesticated farm animals.
Report: Comprehensive plan update.
January 30, 2009 Council Workshop: Revisit Vision SLP and Strategic Directions.
Review of Vision, the Journey - 2005 to January 30, 2009.
Presented documentation and catalog of Vision reports and activities.
Council reaffirmed the four Vision areas.
Review and discuss Decision Resources Survey.
February 2, 2009 Authorize execution of a contract with Precision Landscape and Tree, Inc. as
the 2009 Boulevard Tree and Stump Removal Contractor in an amount not
to exceed $83,657.
Authorize execution of a contract with Rainbow Tree Care, Inc. as the 2009
Arbotect 20-S Elm Injection contractor at a cost of $12.15 per diameter inch.
February 9, 2009 Discussion: Comprehensive Plan Update and Public Input process.
Discussion: TH7 & Wooddale Avenue Interchange project update.
Discussion: Council policy question - Utility rate adjustment.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 228
Discussion: Council policy question – Refuse collection policy.
February 17, 2009 Motion to Adopt Resolution approving a Conditional Use Permit to remove
approximately 800 cubic yards of material for the construction of a parking
lot, with conditions as recommended by staff and the Planning Commission.
February 23, 2009 Report: 2009 Environmental Objective – MN Energy Challenge.
March 2, 2009 Authorize execution of a contract with Arbor Barber, Inc. as the 2009 private
diseased tree removal contractor in an amount not to exceed $122,080.08.
Arbor Barber has successfully performed other similar contracts for the City
of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
March 9, 2009 Discussion: Solid Waste program update.
Report: Recycling program update.
March 23, 2009 Discussion: Excess land sale proceeds.
Report: Wind turbines
Report: 2009 Community Open House.
March 23, 2009 Consent: Accept donation from Minnehaha Creek Watershed District in the
amount of $1,800 to provide supplies for the annual Minnehaha Creek clean-
up project.
Consent: Execute a Joint Powers Agreement establishing the regional all-
hazards incident management joint powers organization.
April 6, 2009 Discussion: MSC update.
Report: Active living Hennepin County communities update.
Report: 2008 residential survey
April 6, 2009 Consent: Amend consultant contract 148006 Dakota Park Flood
Improvement Project.
May 11, 2009 Discussion: Minnetonka Boulevard and Park Place Boulevard study updates,
and bicycles and pedestrians discussion.
Discussion: Comprehensive plan – land use.
May 18, 2009 Adopt Resolution accepting a donation from Becky Mallory Finnigan in the
amount of $500 for park maintenance improvements and native plantings.
June 8, 2009 Discussion: MSC expansion/renovation.
Report: Energy and efficiency conservation block grants.
June 15, 2009 Motion to Adopt Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant
application to the United States Department of Energy for 2009 Recovery
Act – Energy & Efficiency Conversation Block Grant – Formula Grants
(EECBG) and for the City to administer the grant funding and act as the
fiscal agent for the formula funds.
June 22, 2009 Discussion: MSC renovation project update.
July 13, 2009 Discussion: Excess land sale proceeds survey results.
Discussion: 2009 City Council bike ride.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 229
Discussion: Minnehaha Creek partnership.
July 27, 2009 Discussion: Pandemic planning overview.
Report: Reilly site – proposed soil vapor gas study.
Special re-allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
funds for the Aquila Park Renovation Project.
Motion to Adopt Resolution approving use of a special re-allocation of
Urban Hennepin County Community Development Block Grant Program
Funds and authorizing execution of Amendment No. 1 to 2008 Subrecipient
Agreement with Hennepin County and any third party agreements.
August 3, 2009 Adopt Resolution authorizing participation in a Minnehaha Creek Regional
Partnership
August 10, 2009 Report: Comprehensive plan neighborhood planning input process update.
Report: Status of 7317 Lake St. West – former site of Flame Metals.
September 8, 2009 Authorize execution of a contract with Calgon Carbon Corporation for the
purchase of Granular Activated Carbon in the amount of $122,400.
Approve Contract with Three Rivers Park District to clear and remove snow
from the LRT and Cedar Lake Extension Trails through the City of St. Louis
Park for the 2009-2010 Winter Season.
September 14, 2009 Report: Wind Energy Regulations.
Report: Urban Reforestation Program Policy.
Report: Recycling Program Update.
Report: Green Shade Initiative.
September 21, 2009 Approve the Active Living Hennepin Communities Contract with Hennepin
County.
Adopt Resolution supporting a request for Livable Communities
.Demonstration Account (LCDA) grant extension from the Metropolitan
Council.
Adopt Resolution approving acceptance of donations from Minnesota Rural
Partners, Inc. in the amounts of $500 and $300, and $300 for Parks and
Recreation and Community Development Projects (Beautify the Park
Program, the Lilac Drive/Beehive project and the 36th Street Pedestrian
improvements respectively).
September 29, 2009 Discussion: Recycling contract – Eureka Recycling.
Discussion: City facilities energy audit.
Report: Comprehensive plan land use changes.
Report: Sign Ordinance amendment for electronic signs.
Report: MSC Renovation project update.
October 12, 2009 Report: Surface water management plan update.
Report: MN GreenStep Cities demonstration project.
October 19, 2009 Motion to Adopt Resolution adopting the Surface Water Management Plan
and Resolution authorizing the approval and execution of a Memorandum of
Understanding with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District.
Hennepin County Environmental Response Fund Grant Application
Resolution (MSC Soil Correction).
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 230
October 26, 2009 Report: Property foreclosure workgroup update.
Report: Regional trail crossings.
November 2, 2009 Purchase Agreement for 3924 Excelsior Boulevard (former American Inn
property).
Motion to Adopt Resolution approving Purchase Agreement between Gary
T. Mulcahy, Sr. and the St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority
(EDA) for 3924 Excelsior Boulevard and authorize the President and
Executive Director to execute the documents necessary to complete the real
estate transaction.
Motion to provide staff authorization to enter the subject property into the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) Voluntary Investigation &
Clean-Up (VIC) Program.
Motion to Adopt Resolution authorizing an internal loan for advance of
funds in connection with acquisition of certain property within
Redevelopment Project No. 1 (Ellipse on Excelsior TIF District).
November 9, 2009 Discussion: Proposed amendments to Business Licensing, Chapter 8 and
Environmental and Public Health Chapter 12 of the City Code.
November 23, 2009 Report: Recycling Contract – Eureka Recycling.
Report: MSC renovation project update.
December 7, 2009 Authorize execution of a contract with Ostvig Tree, Inc. as the 2010
Boulevard Tree Pruning Contractor in an amount not to exceed $60,000.
Approve Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. 127-07 with AECOM for
additional consultant services related to the implementation of the Reilly Tar
& Chemical Corporation (Reilly) Remedial Action Plan (RAP) during year
2009.
Approve Amendment No. 3 to Contract No. 127-07 with AECOM for
consultant services related to the implementation of the Reilly Tar &
Chemical Corporation (Reilly) Remedial Action Plan (RAP) during year 2010.
Approve entering into a contract with the St. Louis Park Hockey Association
to allow them to install and maintain an outdoor skating rink at Wolfe Park
for the use by the public.
December 21, 2009 Motion to Adopt Resolution adopting 2030 Comprehensive Plan for the City
of St. Louis Park as recommended by the Planning Commission.
Adopt Resolution approving acceptance of a grant from the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources in the amount of $45,000 for use by the
Parks and Recreation Department for public diseased tree removal and tree
replacement.
Adopt Resolution approving acceptance of a grant from the St. Louis Park
Youth Development Fund of the St. Louis Park Community
Foundation/Minnesota Community Foundation in the amount of $4,000 for
use by the Parks and Recreation Department for the playground program.
January 19, 2010 Designate Magney Construction, Inc. the lowest responsible bidder and
authorize execution of a contract with the firm in the amount of $857,400
for Water Project – Water Treatment Plant No. 1 – Project No. 2008-1400.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 231
Adopt Resolution approving acceptance of donation from the Raymond H.
and Florence L. Sponberg Foundation in the amount of $500 for City park
improvements.
January 25, 2010 Discussion: Draft Ordinance - Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS)
(with Consultant).
Discussion: 2010 Utility Rate Study Discussion Continuation.
February 1, 2010 Discussion: Green building policy.
Authorize execution of a contract with Upper Cut Tree Service, Inc., as the
2010 Private Diseased Tree Removal Contractor in an amount not to exceed
$97,422. Upper Cut Tree Service, Inc. has successfully performed other
similar contracts for the cities of Bloomington, White Bear Lake and New
Brighton
Authorize execution of a contract with Precision Landscape & Tree, Inc. as
the 2010 Boulevard Tree Removal Contractor in an amount not to exceed
$83,657.
February 8, 2010 Discussion: Municipal Service Center (MSC) Soil Removal (with Consultant
Bob DeGroot AECOM).
Report: Solid Waste Program Survey.
Report: Municipal Service Center (MSC) Renovation Project History and
Update.
Report: Update on Redevelopment Contract with Oak Hill 7100 LLC
(Anderson Builders).
Report: Fire Stations Project Update.
February 16, 2010 Motion to Adopt Resolution Approving Green Building Policy.
Adopt Resolution Approving Green Building Policy.
February 22, 2010 Discussion: Sidewalk Repair Pilot Project.
Report: Composting Ordinance Revision.
March 8, 2010 Discussion: Proposed Amendments to City Business Licensing and
Environmental Health Codes.
March 15, 2010 First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Sections of Chapter 8 – Building
and Contractor Licensing and Chapter 12 Environmental and Public Health
Codes.
March 22, 2010 Discussion: 2010 Emerald Ash Borer Plan.
Discussion: 2010 Urban Forestation Planting Plan.
Report: GreenStep Cities Demonstration Project.
April 5, 2010 Beautify the Park Proclamation.
Second Reading of Ordinance Amending Sections of Chapter 8 – Building
and Contractor Licensing and Chapter 12 Environmental and Public Health
Codes.
Motion to Adopt Second Reading of Ordinance approving Compost
Revisions, Section 22-121, Chapter 22 (Solid Waste Management) of the City
Code.
Adopt Resolution accepting this report, approving plans and specifications
for soil removals and authorizing advertisement for bids.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 232
April 12, 2010 Report: Urban Forestation Policy Amendment.
April 19, 2010 Motion to adopt first reading of an ordinance amending the Zoning
Ordinance pertaining to Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS), and set
the second reading for May 3, 2010.
Motion to adopt first reading of an ordinance amending the Zoning
Ordinance pertaining to electronic signs, bufferyards and outdoor dining
areas and set the second reading for May 3, 2010.
To enter into a delegation agreement with MDH for continuing to provide
Environmental Health Services.
Approve an amendment to the City’s Urban Reforestation Policy to
incorporate the treatment of Dutch Elm Disease (DED) as an allowable use
of the Land Sale Proceeds.
Approve the 2010 Neighborhood Grants.
Adopt Resolution ordering the abatement of the hazardous building located
at 3317 Texas Avenue South.
May 3, 2010 Approve second reading of Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance
relating to Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) and approve the
summary ordinance for publication.
Approve second reading of Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance
relating to electronic signs, bufferyards and outdoor dining areas and approve
the summary ordinance for publication.
May 10, 2010 Report: Potential EDA acquisition of 7015 Walker Street (former Reynolds
Welding Supply building).
Discussion: Environmental Stewardship.
Report: Reilly Site – Update on the Proposed Soil Vapor Gas Study.
May 17, 2010 Bid Tabulation: Municipal Service Center (MSC) Soil Removal and Disposal
Project as part of the MSC Renovation Project 2008-1900.
Birchwood Park - Conditional Use Permit for Excavation.
May 24, 2010 Report: 2009 Solid Waste Annual Report.
Report: Inspections Department 2009 Activities Report.
August 2, 2010 Adopt Resolution identifying the need for Livable Communities
Demonstration Account funding and authorizing an application for grant
funds.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 233
ENVIRONMENTAL ITEMS
City Manager’s Digest
January, 2008 – August, 2010
January 7, 2008
Updates on Green Initiatives in the City
Green Residential Building -- The 2600 Natchez Ave parcel (final vacant land parcel) is going out
to bid January 31. The bid deadline will be March 7. Bid requirements include certification of the
new home under the Minnesota GreenStar program. Minnesota GreenStar for new homes is a local
effort between the MN Pollution Control Agency, Builders Association of the Twin Cities, the MN
chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the non profit Green Institute.
It is based on building standards that take into consideration Minnesota’s climate concerns, building
codes and material, energy and natural resources. It is similar to the Leadership for Energy and
Environmental Design, (LEED) program, but more suitable for Minnesota conditions. For more
information on Greenstar, visit www.mngreenstar.org. Anyone interested in the 2600 Natchez site is
invited to attend a pre-bid meeting with MnGreenStar experts on February 14. Perspective bidders
will be strongly encouraged to work with architects and home builders already familiar with green
design and techniques with a green requirement.
Green Remodeling Program -- MN GreenStar is currently Piloting the Green Remodeling
Program which includes two St. Louis Park homes. This MN GreenStar remodeling program will
be rolled out in February of 2008. Staff will be proposing a green remodeling program that
leverages this program with city and state incentives.
January 28, 2008
Soil Vapor Study Update
The US-EPA TAGA bus mobile laboratory for analyzing soil vapor samples will be arriving in town
this weekend. The EPA will be holding a press conference at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 28 at
the MSC (7305 Oxford Street) to provide an update on the study and showcase the TAGA bus.
Sampling of more then 200 properties will begin following the press conference and will continue
for about 1 week (bus is scheduled here for 10 days) until completed. EPA contractors are now
completing installation of the sub-slab probes in the buildings with access agreements.
The TAGA bus will be parked and setup for operation in the lower west side parking lot at our Fire
Station #1/Utility shop building (3750-2 Wooddale Avenue) during the days when sampling is
occurring. EPA staff will be using a small amount of garage space for compressed gas tank storage
and have access to the restroom facilities. Each evening the TAGA bus will be moved to the hotel
where EPA staff is residing.
City staff is assisting the EPA with contacting the approximately 60 property owners who have not
yet made a decision to have their buildings sampled. Each of these properties has been previously
notified at least three times by mail or in person. These owners still have the opportunity to be part
of the program.
16th Annual Home Remodeling Fair
The 16th annual Home Remodeling Fair is Sunday, February 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the
Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Highway 7 in Hopkins.
This year’s “green theme” is being highlighted with a track of green seminars, including rain gardens,
environmentally friendly landscaping, green remodeling and decorating with re-used products. Over
100 contractors will be exhibiting along with the four cities, plus demonstrations for the do-it-
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 234
yourselfer, and an “ask the pro” service offering free, no obligation advice from architects, interior
designers and landscape designers.
The Home Remodeling Fair began 15 years ago when city and community education staff from four
suburbs (St. Louis Park, Golden Valley, Hopkins and Minnetonka) got together to volunteer their
time to organize this popular event which aims to make it easier for residents to improve their
homes and yards. Generally, St. Louis Park residents represent the largest percentage of attendees.
Contractors report that our fair has a reputation as the best community-based fair in the metro area.
Exhibit space consistently sells out and the event is financially self-sufficient. Exhibitor and sponsor
fees cover all costs for advertising, shuttle bus rental, decorations, maintenance services, speaker
fees, secretarial assistance, etc.
This exciting event is an excellent example of cooperation between cities and school districts. See
attached flyer for more information.
February 19, 2008
Inside the Park
Our latest broadcast of “Inside the Park” includes features stories on soil vapor testing at
Councilmember John Basill’s home; 100 Best Communities for Young People Award; Human
Rights Award to Raleigh Kent; the Neighborhood Forum; water main repairs and On Location
highlights. Access this program at
http://frylock.implex.net/Qwikcast/router.aspx?WebcastID=1101.
February 25, 2008
Home Remodeling Fair This Weekend
If you have time, don’t forget to stop by the Home Remodeling Fair this Sunday, February 24th,
from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins.
Admission is free. The latest trends and info on “green remodeling” will be featured in a series of
green seminars at this year’s fair. In addition to the “green” seminars, there will be booths featuring
green remodelers, including the Minnesota GreenStar Remodeling program. Look for the green
symbol next to vendors and seminars to find the latest in what’s green.
March 3, 2008
Home Remodeling Fair
The Home Remodeling Fair that took place last Sunday was another success again this year. It was
very well attended and featured a “green” theme that included Seminars and & Do-It-Yourself
demonstrations, with exhibitors plus city inspectors and other experts on hand to answer questions.
A big thank you goes out to Community Development, Inspections, Parks & Recreation and
Information Resources for assisting with this event, and in particular Sean Walther, Gary Morrison,
Julie Meintsma, Aaron Borken, Manny Camilon, John Tilton, Jim Dube, Jerry Jasmer and Jim
Vaughan who staffed booths. Special thanks to Kathy Larsen, Ann Boettcher and Jamie Zwilling
who represent St. Louis Park on the planning committee, along with representatives from the Cities
of Minnetonka, Golden Valley and Hopkins, Community Education of Minnetonka, Hopkins and
St. Louis Park School Districts.
March 17, 2008
Parks and Recreation News
2nd Off-leash Dog Park Update -- City forestry crews have begun to clear out the buckthorn from
the off-leash dog park site to be located east of Cedar Knoll Park (southwest corner of Louisiana
Avenue and Cedar Lake Road). Once the snow has melted and road restrictions have been lifted,
the fence will be installed and other components of the off-leash area completed. We expect the
park to be open in late May or early June.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 235
Joint Parks and Recreation Commission and Planning Commission Meeting Scheduled --
The Parks and Recreation and Planning Commissions will meet on Wednesday, March 19 for a joint
meeting to begin discussing the Parks Comprehensive Plan. Staff thought that getting both groups
together would provide a good opportunity for discussing the plan and getting to know each other
better.
March 24, 2008
2600 Natchez Update
Richard and Adrianne Harrsion of 2620 Huntington Avenue were selected to purchase this parcel.
The accepted bid price was $268,100, and the appraised value was $151,000. There was one other
bidder. Mr. Harrison is both a resident and a single family housing developer with experience
building green homes in sustainable developments. The Harrisons intend to reside in the “green
certified” home.
The Harrisons plan to build this summer and already have preliminary plans drawn. City staff
arranged for the bidder, his builder and designer to meet with MnGreenStar staff to ensure all
parties are aware of the green requirements. Staff will be convening the Design Review Committee
in the near future; this committee is composed of a residential architect, landscape architect, member
of the excess land task force, realtor and a neighborhood representative. This parcel is located in the
Fern Hill Neighborhood, and the neighborhood is currently in the process of becoming organized.
The neighborhood representative will be recruited by the Fern Hill neighborhood organizing
committee.
April 7, 2008
Beautify the Park – April 19 – 30th
The City is promoting and coordinating several events related to the environment starting the
weekend of April 19th. In addition to the city’s Earth and Arbor Day celebration we will be
promoting clean-up events in city parks and neighborhoods, and launching Beautify the Park.
A new initiative for 2008, Beautify the Park encourages all residents to pick up litter in their yards,
along walking paths and in the street anytime between April 19 and April 30. It’s easy to do!
April 19 – 30: Beautify the Park
April 19: Park and Recreation Commission: Creekside Park Clean-up from Louisiana
to Meadowbrook Road
April 22: Earth Day (official)
April 25: Arbor Day (official)
April 26: City’s Celebration of Earth and Arbor Day
Browndale Neighborhood Clean-up
Creekside Neighborhood Clean-up
April 19-May 15: Pick up the Park (volunteers matched with various parks throughout the city)
We are in the process of putting together the information to go out to the community to join in on
this event in April. The idea is to make these activities easy and a natural part of what we can all do
to beautify the Park. When you are out walking, the idea is as easy as grabbing a bag to collect trash
along the way and dispose of it properly in your own garbage or recycling container. It will be easy
to encourage all residents to get out in their own yards and neighborhoods to pick up, clean up and
beautify the Park. Watch for more information on these upcoming activities!
Hydrant Flushing Coming To Your Neighborhood
City crews will be flushing watermains throughout SLP between April 20 to April 24. This activity is
done to breakup mineral build-up inside the underground mains. To minimize inconvenience the
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 236
work will occur from 10 PM to 6 AM. A short-term byproduct of this exercise is water that may be
yellow or orange in color. The water is safe to consume but can stain clothes during washing. If
you should receive questions about this you can refer people to our web site for more information
or have them call the Utilities Division at 952-924-2558
April 14, 2008
2600 Natchez - Green Certified New Home
At the April 9 Housing Authority meeting the Board will be considering executing a Development
Agreement with Richard and Adrienne Harrison, the selected bidder, for the sale and development
of this parcel. According to the contractual bid documents, the buyer must execute the agreement,
provide proof of financial capability and pay the earnest money by April 17, 2008.
The buyer already has preliminary plans for the “certified green home” drafted, and is finalizing
them for review by the Design Review Committee on April 16. The Design Review Committee
consists of a landscape architect, residential architect, realtor, member of the excess land task force
and a neighborhood representative. They will review the plans and make design recommendations.
Mr. Bob Kusnetz has been selected by the re-emerging Fern Hill Neighborhood organization
committee to serve as the neighborhood representative on the committee. Mr. Kusnetz was the
previous chair of the Fern Hill Neighborhood Association and resides at 26th and Inglewood. He is
familiar with the neighbors’ concerns related to use of this parcel for housing, as well as concerns
related to the size and style and a new home on this parcel.
Experience Green Living in the Park Ad
Attached is an advertisement that will be in next week’s St. Louis Park Sun Sailor on “green”
initiatives in the City.
April 21, 2008
Home Remodeling Tour 2008
The 4th annual tour is scheduled for Sunday, May 4 from Noon to 4 p.m. Homes featured in the self
guided tour vary from 2nd story additions, kitchen, bath & basement remodels, plus two homes that
participated in Mn GreenStar’s pilot green remodeling program. Six incredibly generous residents
have offered to have their homes toured by 400-600 of their neighbors. City and Center for Energy
& Environment staff, along with contractors, will be at each of the homes to provide assistance to
the owners and answer questions about the homes and city assistance programs.
Tour homes are located at 3912 Monterey, 4104 Salem, 4111 Brookside, 3371 Brownlow, 8400
Cedar Lake Rd and 2248 Drew Ave. 2248 Drew really is in the Park, barely, but it is, and along with
the home at 3912 Monterey, are the two “green” homes.
This year’s tour will help promote the City’s Home Improvement Programs and kicks-off the St.
Louis Park Green Remodeling Program. Marketing efforts include brochures mailed to all single
family home owners, a feature in this month’s Park Perspective, notification on the website, Cable
TV, and a press release to the Sun Sailor.
Prairie Burns Coming Soon
A letter has been distributed to residents regarding information on controlled burns that will be
taking place during the week of April 28 in certain areas of Shelard Park, Lamplighter Pond and the
north side of Wolfe Park. This is part of the City’s prairie restoration, a necessary management tool
for native plantings. While the burns will not take an entire week, due to changing weather
conditions, an exact date cannot be specified. Prairie Restorations will be conducting the burns by
permit from our Fire Department. Questions regarding the prairie burns should be directed to
Environmental Coordinator Jim Vaughan at (952) 924-2699.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 237
Earth Day and Arbor Day Events Next Week
The City of St. Louis Park, along with co-sponsor Waste Management, will celebrate Earth and
Arbor Days on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to Noon at the Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300
West Franklin Avenue. Activities will include planting trees and picking up litter and coming up
close and personal with a liver raptor. Attendees can learn simple ways to make big impacts on our
planet by visiting with local organizations at this free event. The interactive musical group “Kidtime
with Rachael” will be performing from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and refreshments will be served.
Tree City USA Designation
St. Louis Park has once again been designated as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day
Foundation for 2008. To become a Tree City USA, a community must designate someone to be
responsible for its urban forest program, have a community tree ordinance, spend $2 per resident
for its tree program, enact an Arbor Day proclamation and conduct a public tree planning ceremony.
Tree City USA is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the
Minnesota Department of Nature Resources, National Association of State Foresters and the USDA
Forest Service.
April 28, 2008
Reward Given for Graffiti Tip
The Police Department, through the Crime Fund, will be issuing a $250 reward to an area resident
who witnessed and reported a suspect placing graffiti on a building at Aquila Park in early March.
The witness was able to identify the suspect which resulted in the suspect being charged with
approximately $4,000 in aggregate property damage relating to graffiti.
Experience Green Living In The Park
Last Saturday the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, along with family, friends and Scouts
from Troop 298, collected 20 bags of garbage and a pick-up load full of large debris from area parks.
Special thanks to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission for helping clean up the
community. Parks & Recreation Director Cindy Walsh is the staff liaison to the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Committee along with the assistance of Parks & Recreation Administrative
Secretary Stacy Voelker.
Property Foreclosures
I met with staff two weeks ago to revisit what we are currently doing and to discuss additional ways
that the city can proactively address issues associated with foreclosed properties, such as vandalism,
water shut-offs, property maintenance, etc. Staff has formed a workgroup to make sure that the city
can stay ahead of any problems that might occur with foreclosed homes.
The good news is that St. Louis Park is faring much better than other communities who have been
affected by the subprime market. While the number of foreclosed properties increased between
2006 and 2007, staff estimates that the 2008 foreclosure rate will be similar to 2007. Police are not
experiencing a notable increase in calls for services at foreclosed/vacant properties and the majority
of vacant homes are being reasonably maintained.
Next steps for the workgroup will be to maintain updated lists of foreclosed properties, notify
owners/financial institutions about our point-of-sale program, increase city drive-bys of vacant
properties to identify problems, and aggressively pursue property maintenance issues to make sure
neighborhoods are not negatively affected.
May 5, 2008
City Receives Funds For Pilot Green Remodeling Program!!
St. Louis Park has been awarded a matching grant of $50,000 by the Minnesota Housing Finance
Agency for the development, implementation and evaluation of a pilot green remodeling program.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 238
In addition to in-kind leveraging from the Center for Energy & Environment, CEE has received a
$20,000 grant from the Mn Pollution Control Agency to assist with the technical and evaluation
components of the pilot program.
The green remodeling pilot will use the very recently developed Mn GreenStar Remodeling
certification program. The pilot will include workshops, green remodeling visits, house performance
analysis, rating inspections, discount loans, and furnace and water heater rebates. The program has
been designed to encourage residents to implement green remodeling design and practices. In
addtion to the benefits to residents, the pilot will quantify costs and savings of typical remodeling
projects when completed to green standards. The lessons learned will provide direction for future
green home improvement programs.
The pilot program will be introduced with a promotional flyer during the Home Remodeling Tour
this Sunday. Workshops introducing the pilot and green remodeling will be held May 27 and June
26.
GraffitiNet Featured on KSTP
KSTP had a segment Wednesday evening (April 30) on the City’s newly created GraffitiNet
database. Lieutenant Lori Drier and Web Coordinator Jason Huber were interviewed. The program
went live on Thursday (May 1). As you may recall, GraffitiNet was developed by the City of St.
Louis Park as a first-of-its kind website database which shares information between participating
cities on incidents of graffiti. This data base will assist in tracking graffiti and apprehending and
convicting offenders. If you would live to view the KSTP segment, visit
http://kstp.com/article/stories/S430075.shtml?cat=1.
Some Dates to Remember
Here are some dates you may wish to keep in mind. Check the City’s web site for more information.
• May 4 – Home Remodeling Tour
• May 15 – Caring Youth Day
• May 18 – Children First Ice Cream Social
• June 10 – Fire Department Open House
• June 12 to 14 – Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off
• June 14 – SLP Clean-Up Day
• June 12 to 15 – Parktacular
May 12, 2008
2008 Home Remodeling Tour
Another sunny success – Sunday May 4 was a gorgeous day to be outside and the response to our
fourth annual tour was once again enthusiastic. The overwhelming response from residents was
excitement that the City is working to retain them as residents and promote the expansion of
existing homes – the compliments were profuse. Residents stated that actually seeing the types of
remodeling projects that can be done and talking with the residents and contractors about their
project was very helpful.
Over 1,300 individuals attended the tour and almost all are City residents. The total number of
adults that visited the six tour homes was 2,360 - exactly the same as last year. The number of
visitors per home ranged from 240 – 516 adults, as some tour attendees visited all the homes while
others visited just the homes similar to theirs.
The tour is designed to meet the City’s Vision and housing goal of promoting and facilitating
expansion of existing houses. New to the tour this year were two homes that achieved green
certification through the Pilot Mn GreenStar remodeling program. The tour provides an
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 239
opportunity to promote the City’s technical, design assistance and loan programs in a friendly
community environment.
The generous residents that shared their homes with the community really made the tour a success.
As a thank you, residents that opened their homes were presented with a gift certificate to Home
Depot.
June 2, 2008
Green Remodeling Pilot Workshop
Our first green remodeling workshop was held last Tuesday evening at the Rec Center. Fifteen
households, all of whom are contemplating remodeling projects, came to learn about the City’s
efforts to help them make their projects green, and expressed their kudos to the City for its
environmental stewardship. The City’s working partners in this project, Mn GreenStar and the
Center for Energy & Environment (CEE), joined with City staff to conduct the workshop.
Representatives from Mn GreenStar walked attendees through the five fundamental components of
what makes a remodeling project green: energy efficiency; resource efficiency; waste management;
water conservation; and site and community impact. They described the four levels of remodeling
certification possible based on the scope of remodeling projects. CEE staff explained the role of
determining the performance of the existing home and how this benchmark can help residents make
sound remodeling decisions. They also discussed the verification inspections during and following
construction. City staff presented on the following: Kathy Larsen, Housing Program Coordinator,
provided pertinent information regarding the pilot program and incentives; John Tilton, Chief
Building Official, addressed the inspection process; and Jim Vaughan, Environmental Coordinator,
described sustainable landscaping measures that meet green remodeling standards.
All in all, it was an exciting beginning to the pilot program. The next workshop is scheduled for
Thursday, June 26 at 7 p.m. in the Rec Center.
Beautify the Park
City staff is finding time over Friday lunch to pick up litter from parks in St. Louis Park. To date,
staff has picked up litter at Wolfe Park, Lamplighter Pond, Pennsylvania Park and Aquila Park/Trail.
Fire Chief Luke Stemmer and I will be leading a staff contingent at Westwood Nature Center
tomorrow to pick up litter that has collected along the fence line. Special thanks to Jim Vaughan,
who has provided staff with bags, gloves and arranged for pick up of collected trash.
Walking & Biking Trail Maps
You are receiving separately one of our new Walking & Biking Trail Maps. These are hot off the
press. Copies are available at the Rec Center, Westwood Hills Nature Center and City Hall. In
addition to information on walking and biking in St. Louis Park, the map also contains information
on all of our park amenities. We encourage you to Experience Recreation in the Park!
June 9, 2008
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Coming Up
City staff is working cooperatively with Hennepin County in the collection of Household Hazardous
Waste on Thursday through Saturday, June 12-14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the south parking lot at
Louisiana Oaks Park (3500 Louisiana Avenue). For a list of accepted materials, visit
www.hennepin.us/collectionevents or contact Hennepin County Environmental Services at
612.348.3777.
Creek Restoration EAW Methodist Hospital
Methodist Hospital is proceeding on its plans to remeander and restore 1,060 linear feet of
Minnehaha Creek channel at the hospital site. It is expected the remeandering will add 400 linear
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 240
feet to the channel and enhance 4 acres of wetland. An interpretive boardwalk would also be added
in the wetland area. This improvement will enhance the natural look, use and flow of the creek, and
there are not any expected negative environmental consequences. Construction would occur in the
winter to minimize impacts. The EAW for this project will be coming to the City Council for final
action - tentatively on June 16th.
June 16, 2008
GrafittiNet Featured in Star Tribune
We are proud to see that St. Louis Park had another article showcasing the newly developed and
released GraffitiNet database was featured in the in Wednesday, June 11 Star Tribune To access the
article, visit http://www.startribune.com/local/west/19603599.html?location_refer=Homepage.
Pick up the Park Initiative
A special thanks to everyone for their involvement in the “Pick up the Park” initiative this year.
Sarah Krzesowiak, Program Coordinator in the Volunteer Office of the City and Schools of St.
Louis Park indicated that there was more trash than usual this year and that despite the incredibly
lousy weather, almost all assigned areas were picked up.
Several people even called and volunteered to clean areas that had not been done before and she
attributes that to the efforts of city staff promoting this initiative. Thanks to the efforts of
Community Liaison Marney Olson more neighborhood groups participated this year. All volunteer
groups and individuals received a certificate signed by Mayor Jacobs for their participation. The
2008 Pick Up the Park Report is attached for your review.
Special thanks also goes out to city staff members who pitched in and picked up park areas in
helping with Beautify the Park!
June 23, 2008
City Receives Trail Grant from DNR
The City of St. Louis Park has been awarded a 2008 Local Trail Connection Grant from the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The amount of our grant is $21,000 to be used toward
our $42,000 trail connection at Roadside Park as part of the Beehive Restoration project. Special
thanks to Rick Birno, Parks & Recreation Superintendent for his work on the grant. Additional
fiscal support has also been requested for this project from Three Rivers Park District for
trail/historical signage for the park.
Lake Street Office Center Update (former Erv’s Garage property)
As per its Redevelopment Contract with the EDA, Real Estate Recycling recently had the two
prominent billboards removed that were affixed to the roof of the former Erv’s Garage along the
south side of Highway 7. Demolition of the building and cleanup of the underlying contaminated
soils began this week. Construction of the 4,000 square foot-Lake Street Office Building on the site is
expected to commence in mid July.
It’s Dark In Here
To assist in dealing with increasing energy costs and to help “Experience Energy Conservation in
the Park”, lights should not be left on in conference rooms, private offices and other areas when not
in use. So if you notice that a room is dark, that’s now a good thing!
June 30, 2008
Step To It Challenge – “We are the Champions” (kind of)
As you are aware, the City of Golden Valley’s Council challenged you for a friendly competition as a
part of the Step To It Challenge, which took place between May 16 – June 16. While you put forth a
valiant effort, the Golden Valley City Council won the competition with an average of 254,522 steps
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 241
per council member competing against our council which followed with an average of 249,537 steps
per council member. As for the overall most steps by a combined city, Brooklyn Park took first, but
the winning city for most steps on average for person participating went to St. Louis Park
with an average of 275,000 steps per participant. For doing so, our city will receive a celebration
party on a date to be determined later for those who participated. We look forward to participating
again next year!
EPA Notification Regarding Completion of Installation of Vapor Extraction Systems
Attached is a notification sent by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the
completion of the installation of vapor extraction systems and their next steps. The EPA will be
conducting two information open-house style sessions on Thursday, July 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. and
from 6 to 8 p.m. in the St. Louis Park High School Cafeteria (6425 West 33rd Street).
July 7, 2008
Remember Farmers Market On The Plaza
The market will feature an assortment of fresh products direct from the farmer/grower which are
locally grown and produced, fresh baked goods, and beautiful art pieces. "Farmers Market on the
Plaza" is a member of Minnesota Grown. The Market is located on the plaza adjacent to The Rec
Center and Aquatic Park. The Farmers Market precedes our Wednesday evening concert series.
Wednesdays, July 9 to Sept. 24, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at our Rec Center Plaza
July 14, 2008
2600 Natchez Vacant Land Update – Green Certified New Home
This parcel was sold to Richard and Adrienne Harrison on July 9. The building permit was issued
on July 10, and construction will begin immediately. The home will be certified according to MN
Green Star standards. The Harrisons have spoken with the neighboring residents over the past few
months, sharing the house plans to those that desired. Site work will begin immediately and
construction is planned to be completed within six months.
Neighborhood Night Out
This year Neighborhood Night Out is scheduled for Tuesday, August 5th. Neighborhood Night
Out (formerly know as National Night Out) is a chance for St. Louis Park residents to show their
support for their neighborhoods. The new name is unique to our community. The concepts have
not changed, just the name. Along with the new name change, a new logo has also been developed.
Watch for the new logo on the city’s website and in the July/August Park Perspective.
Please show your support this year with our first annual “Neighborhood Night Out.” If you want
more information about this event, contact Officer Kim Czpar at (952) 924-2661.
Green Remodeling Pilot Workshop No. 2
Our second green remodeling workshop was held on Thursday, June 26th at the Rec Center. We had
a larger turnout than the first workshop with thirty-three residents attending. All of these folks are
contemplating remodeling projects and were excited to learn about the city’s efforts to help them
make their projects green, and expressed their kudos to the city for its environmental stewardship.
The city’s working partners in this project, Mn GreenStar and the Center for Energy &
Environment (CEE), joined with city staff to conduct the workshop.
July 21, 2008
2008 League of Minnesota Annual Conference
Brian Hoffman, Director of Inspections, presented “Property Maintenance Programs: Who’s
batting clean-up?” at the 2008 League of Minnesota Cities Annual Conference in early June. Mr.
Hoffman talked of the importance of how well-maintained properties are critical to ensure safe,
healthy neighborhoods and to protect property values. He discussed the role cities can play to help
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 242
insure that properties are kept up and spoke on development of effective property maintenance
programs to help property owners comply with local codes. If you would like more information on
Mr. Hoffman’s presentation, contact him at bhoffman@stlouispark.org.
Water Tower Rehabilitation Project
Work will start this week on the rehabilitation of the water tower at 2541 Nevada Ave. S. (Louisiana
Ave / Cedar Lake Road). This project will provide for miscellaneous structural repairs and painting
of both the interior and exterior of the tank. The major work will begin about August 4th. The
project is expected to be completed about November 1.
During the painting of the exterior on the tank, there will be a full containment system in place to
prevent the paint from becoming airborne and causing impact to the surrounding properties.
Should you have questions or concerns during the project, please contact Scott Merkley at 952-924-
2181 or smerkley@stlouispark.org
September 15, 2008
August – A Noisy Month
Several residents have inquired about the increase in airplane noise this past month. And yes, we
have been experiencing noise from a significant number of incoming flights during August. Staff
has discussed this with the Manager of Aviation Noise Programs at the Metropolitan Airports
Commission and it was indicated that for 20 days last month, the FAA had flights landing from the
northwest. Wind and weather patterns resulted in the two parallel runways being used for most
landings. Aircraft on approach for these runways need to be lined up right over St. Louis Park and
therefore we notice every flight. When these runways are used for departures however, aircraft are
quickly dispersed after take-off for safety and noise distribution, limiting the number of flights we
experience.
Overall, the number of total flights in and out of MSP is about the same as past years. No policy
changes or construction are reported to be occurring at the airport or from the FAA flight control
tower which might be leading to this. This has unfortunately just been a noisy month. Please
contact Brian Hoffman, Director of Inspection at 952-924-2584 if you have questions.
September 22, 2008
Utilities Department On Top of Energy Usage
While the city will soon be undergoing a comprehensive energy analysis, the City continually
monitors and takes proactive approaches to conservation. Recently our Utilities Department had an
energy review completed to analyze usage due to the recent rate increases by Xcel Energy and the
installation of emergency generators. This was to complement our internal auditing of reviewing
and recording monthly usage. The review verified that we have been very active in controlling
energy usage because as electrical costs have increased about 17% over the past 20 years, utility
energy consumption has decreased approximately 17% during this same time frame. If you would
like more information about this review, contact Scott Anderson at sanderson@stlouispark.org or
952.928.2557.
October 6, 2008
Eureka Recycling Starts Service
Eureka Recycling started picking up recyclables in St. Louis Park beginning on October 1. Waste
Management used to pick up recyclables and will continue to pick up garbage and yard waste. For
questions regarding Eureka Recycling, contact our Public Works Department at 952.924.2555.
October 13, 2008
City Co-Sponsoring Tree Planting Event
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 243
The City of St. Louis Park is co-sponsoring a tree planting of 100 trees along the SW Regional Trail
with Tree Trust on Saturday, October 18 from 9 a.m. to noon. The tree planting will complement
the Roadside Park trail connection with the trees being planted just to the east of the proposed trail
connection.
Thanks to a challenge grant from an anonymous local family foundation, Tree Trust hopes to
engage volunteers to plant up to 2,000 trees in the Twin Cities and is kicking off the effort in St.
Louis Park.
Children are welcome. For more information or to register, email Jessica S. at jessicas@treetrust.org
or call her at 651-644-5800 or contact Jim Vaughan at jvaughan@stlouispark.org or 952 924-2699.
Weed Notifications Up
Parks & Recreation informs us that weed notices to residents were up by 100% during the 2008
spring/summer season. Typically that department sends out 150 notices to residents who haven’t
mowed and maintained their yards. This year 304 notices were sent. While some of the properties
were foreclosures, the Parks & Recreation Department will be educating residents on the lawn care
and mowing requirements prior to the 2009 mowing season to hopefully reduce these numbers next
year.
October 20, 2008
Hydrant Flushing
The Utility Department began flushing all dead end hydrants on Tuesday, October 14 and will
complete the process by Friday, October 17. This is normal operating maintenance to get fresh
water to homeowners on these water main lines. Any calls from residents regarding rusty water
should be instructed o run the cold water in their laundry tub until the cold water clears. Any other
questions regarding this hydrant flushing can be directed to our Utilities Department at (952) 924-
2558.
Recycling Transition Update
Overall the transition for week one week has gone extremely smooth and the number of calls
received by the City, Eureka Recycling, and Waste Management were minimal. There were several
factors that were key for this to occur, including: the City proactively informing residents of the
change; the City providing good routing maps for Eureka drivers; having a City SW Inspector out in
the field working with Eureka’s field supervisor and drivers as they are learning the city; and holding
pre-startup meetings with Eureka to clearly define city expectations. Attached for your information
is a memo on the transition and a copy of the new magnet that will be sent to residents.
Radium Removal Efforts Appear Successful!
During early August radium levels exceeding state health standards were reported at one of our
drinking water treatment plants. Corrective actions were proposed by Utility staff and approved by
the Minnesota Department of Health in September. The corrective actions consist of minor plant
modifications along with the injection of hydrous manganese oxide (HMO) into the treatment
process.
This additional treatment process allows for the additional removal of manganese from the water
along with radium which happens to “stick” to manganese much like iron sticks to a magnet. Plant
modifications were completed in early October by Utility staff with HMO injection beginning
shortly thereafter. After some monitoring and adjusting of the HMO treatment process, it appears
most of the manganese is being removed from the water which also means significant radium
removal should also be occurring.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 244
Water samples are currently being taken to test for the effectiveness of the radium removal; test
results should be available in early December.
November 10, 2008
Parks & Recreation Department Updates
• Wolfe Lake --The Minnesota DNR recently added several hundred yellow perch into Wolfe
Lake, as part of our ongoing Fishing In The Neighborhood partnership. Currently there are
Northern Pike, Black Crappies, Sunfish, Small mouth bass and Yellow perch in the lake.
• Hannon Lake was also used again this year for walleye rearing. The DNR , this week, removed
50 pounds of walleye fingerlings from Hannon for stocking into Lind Lake (which is just north
of Forest Lake).
• Wolfe Park was recently re-landscaped around the Pavilion area. The new landscaping is a lot
more functional for our park users and designed as low maintenance with native plants.
• Eagle Scout Projects -- We had four successful Eagle Scout projects (this is a relatively large-
scale community project that a Boy Scout must complete before they turn the age of 18, with
successful prior completion of many merit badges and other related requirements). The Eagle
Scout designation is the highest honor bestowed on a Boy Scout. The following projects were
completed this year: installation of a landscaped retaining wall at Oak Hill Park; planting 50
white pines and caging them from the deer at the Nature Center; planting 50 tamaracks and
caging them from the deer at the Nature Center; and planting 30 trees along the SW Regional
Trail (west of Wooddale).
• Tree Trust Planting -- The Tree Trust and City recently partnered to plant 100 trees along the
SW Regional Trail directly behind Northland Aluminum.
• Trap Tree Sample for Emerald Ash Borer -- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture
(MDA) recently came to sample 2 Trap Trees, which the City donated for this purpose, for
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The trap trees were Green Ash trees that were already weak and
dying, which were girdled (bark encircled with a chainsaw cutting off the water and nutrient
conduction vessels to the tree) in the spring to maximize stress on the trees, in hope of luring
the invasive exotic (from outside the US) Emerald Ash Borer into the trees to determine its
presence in the state and the potential spread of it. EAB has been found to kill ash trees,
potentially wiping out entire ash populations where present –there is no control for this insect.
To date, no EAB insect was found in the St. Louis Park trees. These trees were 2 of
approximately 400 EAB trap trees the MDA and the MN DNR had throughout the state this
year. Currently the EAB is not in Minnesota (the closest it has been found is the Upper
Peninsula of Michigan), but is expected to arrive in Minnesota sometime within the next 5-10
years, which would be devastating for St. Louis Park and most Twin Cities communities (which
all have approximately 20% of their urban tree canopies comprised of Green ash), as well as the
north central forest lands of Minnesota, where millions of native ash trees reside.
Recycling Transition Update
Attached is a report providing an update for the first month transition (October 1-October 31) for
our new recycling collection hauler Eureka Recycling.
December 1, 2008
Foreclosed Property Update
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 245
Inspectors have completed the most recent assessment of about 90 single family homes identified
on the Hennepin County Sheriff’s sale list. These have been foreclosed, sold, and are in the
redemption period. The exterior inspections revealed that of these properties:
• 44 appear vacant - 11 of which have been winterized.
• 32 are for sale.
• 30 show evidence of property maintenance violations.
Properties with maintenance items have been included within our regular on-going property
maintenance program which includes about 800 other properties responded to during 2008 as a
result of complaints or neighborhood inspections. Approximately 700 of these have achieved
compliance to date.
Staff will be notifying the current owners, occupants and buyers of the 90 foreclosed properties
regarding various city requirements and providing important contact information. This includes
Property Maintenance Certificate application/inspection information if a sale occurs at the end of
the 6 month redemption period and licensing requirements if the property is being used as rental or
vacant after the January 1st effective date of the recently passed ordinance. Other information items
will include notification of the continued responsibility of the owner to clear the sidewalk this winter
and maintain the building condition, including winterization. Phone numbers for STEP and
CAPSH will be included in case occupants are in need of assistance.
December 8, 2008
Billboards along Highway 7 to be Removed
SPS Companies, Apex Realty, and Clear Channel have agreed to remove two billboards on the
SPS/Apex property (6363 West Highway 7) west of the Highway 7/Wooddale Ave intersection by
the year’s end. Apex Realty owns the subject property and leases it to SPS Companies. The two
billboards occupy the subject property pursuant to leases between Apex Realty Partnership and
Naegele Outdoor Advertising, Inc. (since acquired by Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc.) The billboard
leases expired this summer. Pursuant to the terms of a Development Contract between the EDA
and SPS Companies, Inc., dated September 10, 1993, and a First Amendment dated April 15, 1999
neither Landowner (Apex) nor Redeveloper (SPS) were to renew, extend or replace either of the
billboard leases. Upon expiration of the leases, the parties agreed the billboards were to be
removed. Over the past several months, staff and the EDA’s attorney have been working to apprise
all the parties of the terms and obligations stated in the contract and the EDA’s expressed interest in
seeing the billboards removed. Recently, staff received written confirmation from Clear Channel’s
attorney that Clear Channel will remove the advertising signs by December 31st.
December 15, 2008
Free Low Flow Showerheads
CenterPoint Energy is offering a free low flow showerhead to St. Louis Park customers living in
homes built before 1992. Low flow showerheads are an easy way for residents to reduce water
consumption and save on energy costs. CenterPoint will provide one showerhead per household;
residents can sign up online at www.centerpointenergy.com/showerhead by December 31, 2008.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 246
ENVIRONMENTAL ITEMS
2009 City Manager’s Digest
January 5, 2009
St. Louis Park in Review 2008
Notable
Accomplishments Entity Program
Department/ Staff
Leads
Award of Excellence
Minnesota Chapter of
the National Association
of Industrial and Office
Properties
Highway 7 Corporate
Center
Real Estate Recycling
and Community
Development (Greg
Hunt)
Best In Real Estate:
Industrial/Warehouse
Development
Mpls/ St. Paul Business
Journal
Highway 7 Corporate
Center
Real Estate Recycling
and Community
Development (Greg
Hunt)
Best In Real Estate:
Medical Office
Development
Mpls/ St. Paul Business
Journal Melrose Institute
Park Nicollet, United
Properties and
Community
Development (Greg
Hunt)
Certificate of
Achievement for
Excellence in Financial
Reporting
Government Finance
Officers Association Financial Reporting
Finance (Bruce DeJong,
Brian Swanson, Darla
Monson, Pat Sulander)
City Best Practices
Database
National League of
Cities
Appreciate Inquiry
Visioning Process
Administrative Services
(Bridget Gothberg, Kris
Luedke)
Community Policing
Award
International Association
of Police Chiefs
West Metro Graffiti
Group
Police, Parks &
Recreation, Information
Resources, Inspections
and Public Works
First Place - Crisis
Negotiation
Upper Red River Valley
Crisis Negotiation Team Crisis Negotiation Team
Police (Brian Flaherty,
Kurt Bahr, Pam
Gronski, Mikael
Garland)
Green Remodeling
Program – Pilot Grant
Minnesota Housing
Finance Agency
Matching grant of
$50,000 by the
Minnesota Housing
Finance Agency for the
development,
implementation and
evaluation of a pilot
green remodeling
program
Community
Development (Kathy
Larsen), Inspections
(John Tilton), Parks &
Recreation (Jim
Vaughan)
High Performer
Designation
Housing & Urban
Development Agency
Section 8 Management
Assessment Program
Community
Development (Michelle
Schnitker, Cindy
Stromberg, Teresa
Schlegel, Jane Klesk )
High Performer
Designation
Housing & Urban
Development Agency
Public Housing Program
Assessment System
Community
Development (Michelle
Schnitker, Tanya
Warren, Teresa Schlegel,
Jane Klesk)
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 247
Local Government
Innovation Award
Humphrey Institute’s
Public and Nonprofit
Leadership Center,
Assoc of MN Counties,
League of MN Cities and
Mn School Boards
Association University of Park
Administrative Services
(Bridget Gothberg, Lisa
Songle)
Member’s Choice Award
National Association of
Government
Webmasters City’s Website
Information Resources
(Jason Huber)
January 12, 2009
New Pool Safety Requirements
Effective January 1, 2009, all public swimming pools, hot tubs, and wading pools with less than four
feet of water depth must be equipped with an anti-entrapment drain system and drain covers. Staff
notified all licensed pool facilities about the revised Minnesota Department of Health pool safety
requirements (which meet the Federal law) and completed a special inspection of all effected
licensed pool facilities (except outdoor seasonal) during December. The results identified ten
facilities which have hot tubs in violation that have been closed until the owners completed
modifications and called for re-inspection or decide to remove the pool. In some instances the cost
to retrofit could be several thousands of dollars and contractors are months behind in making
corrections. Seasonal pools will remain closed until they are approved for compliance as part of
their annual opening inspection when weather permits.
Pool owners and Certified Trained Operators (CTO) will also be required to submit an annual form
to the city identifying the pools they are responsible for. Documentation will include stating that the
main pool drain mounting collars and covers comply with ASME/ANSI requirements and have
been physically inspected for proper installation and are free from damage.
January 19, 2009
Excelsior and Grand to be LEED Certified??
I am pleased to report that the Excelsior and Grand project could be among the first projects in the
country to be certified through a soon to be launched ecological rating system that focuses on entire
neighborhoods rather than individual buildings. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is
creating a “LEED for Neighborhood Development” system. This program, which is still in the
pilot phase, has accepted 240 pilot projects, including Excelsior and Grand, into their program.
More to come…….
February 17, 2009
Westwood Nature Volunteer Published in Minnesota Birding
One of the high school aged volunteers at the Westwood Nature Center recently had her article
published on the Westwood Nature Center in the Minnesota Ornithologists Union’s Minnesota
Birding Publication. We’ve attached a copy - it’s a great article!
Beautify the Park Activity Information Coming Soon
Staff is gearing up for Beautify the Park, which is the city’s marketing umbrella for our community
environmental activities and events. April and May Beautify the Park events/activities include
Arbor Day/Earth Day at Westwood Nature Center, Pick Up the Park, neighborhood clean-ups,
Minnehaha Creek Clean Up with the PRAC, and flower planting in our parks. We are working on
connecting activities, neighborhoods and volunteers and getting the word out.
While staff thought that Beautify the Park was a new initiative, it turns out that great ideas can be
recycled and reused, even if we are unaware of them. Thanks to the careful record keeping of a block
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 248
captain, Police Officer Kim Czapar is able to share a piece of history with you. Attached is a flyer
promoting St. Louis Park Beautiful Weeks from April 20 – May 11, 1959.
March 2, 2009
Home Remodeling Fair Sunday, March 1
Don’t forget to attend the 2009 Home Remodeling Fair Sunday, March 1st, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30
p.m. at Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins. Admission is free and will
include seminars and demonstrations, 100 contractor exhibitors and free, no-obligation advice from
architects, landscape designs, interior designers and city inspectors. For more information, visit
www.homeremodelingfair.com.
Green House in St. Louis Park Sets An Example
March 9, 2009
17th Annual Home Remodeling Fair
The 17th annual Home Remodeling Fair was Sunday, March 1 from
10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Eisenhower Community Center, 1001
Highway 7 in Hopkins.
The big question of the day was how will fair attendance be affected
by the current economic conditions? The 2009 Fair brought over 1,200 attendees, which was higher
than attendance the year of the snow storm, but not quite as high as the typical average of 2,000
attendees. The architects in the “Ask the Pro” and vendors noted that that folks they talked to
seemed serious about their specific remodeling project. The vendors also noted that the more basic
contractors, such as windows, heating and siding, seemed to be attracting more visitors than the
more “discretionary” contractors such as painters and landscapers.
The “green theme” emphasis for seminars and vendors once again attracted interest. Features of the
green theme included seminars and vendors on rain gardens, environmentally friendly landscaping,
green remodeling and decorating with re-used products.
Begun 17 years ago, city and community education staff from four communities, St. Louis Park,
Golden Valley, Hopkins and Minnetonka, provide time to organize and staff the event which aims
to make it easier for residents to improve their homes and yards. Generally, St. Louis Park residents
represent the largest percentage of attendees. Contractors report that our fair has a reputation as the
best community-based fair in the metro area.
Lauri Kraft posed with Jamie,
4, and Jason, 2, in the Kraft’s
dining and family room,
which they remodeled with
double-pane windows,
bamboo floors and reused
timber. “It sets a good
example for our kids. It
makes a healthier home for
us. And I am happy that we
kept a few things out of the
landfill,” Lauri Kraft said.
See attached Star Tribune
article from February 25,
2009.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 249
Exhibit space consistently sells out and the event is financially self-sufficient. Exhibitor and
sponsor fees cover all costs for a fair coordinator, secretarial assistance, shuttle bus rental,
decorations, maintenance services, speaker fees, facility fees, etc.
This successful event is an excellent example of cooperation between cities and school districts.
While it takes the involvement of a great deal of city staff to make this annual event successful,
special thanks go to Kathy Larsen (Fair Committee Co Chair), Jamie Zwilling, Aaron Borken,
Dustin Quam, Manny Camilon, John Tilton, Bernie Riley, Jim Dube, Ann Boettcher, Jim Vaughan
and Gary Morrison who were on hand the day of the Fair.
Methodist Hospital / Minnehaha Creek Re-meander and Boardwalk Project
The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District has been working with
Park Nicollet since 2004 on projects which improve Minnehaha
Creek due to Methodist Hospital’s proximity to the creek. Their
latest collaborative project is the Re-meander and Boardwalk
Project. The re-meander of Minnehaha Creek was completed in
February. They are currently installing the boardwalk and re-
vegetation will take place in the spring of 2009. For more
information on this project, visit
http://www.minnehahacreek.org/MethodistHospital.php.
March 16, 2009
Live Where You Work Home Ownership Assistance Program Has First Closing
The City launched the Live Where You Work Home Ownership Assistance Program March 1 and
the first participant is closing on their new home this week. The program provides employees of St.
Louis Park businesses with a grant toward the purchase of a home in St. Louis Park near their
workplace.
In the Live Where You Work Program, the city provides a deferred loan up to $2,500 for each
eligible employee. Employers are invited to contribute a matching or lesser amount to the city’s
contribution, but are not required to do so. Once the employee obtains a mortgage from a
participating lender, the grant can be used to help finance a down payment, closing costs and gap
financing. Provided the buyer maintains their eligibility for the program, the loan is forgiven after
three years.
The program not only gives workers an opportunity to own a home close to their job, it increases
employee loyalty, retention, and morale, and creates a positive community building environment for
the homeowner and their family, the company they work for and the city. Having employees living
in the community will also reduce commute times and fuel costs, allows the city to partner with local
businesses, makes home ownership more affordable, helps revitalize neighborhoods and schools,
and set an example for other cities. Banks participating in the program so far include Associated
Bank, Bremer Bank, US Bank, Wells Fargo and Citizens Independent Bank.
Our first participant is an employee of Citizens Bank. In addition to the City’s $2,500 grant, the
buyer also received a $500 grant from Citizens Independent Bank.
This program is not funded with property tax dollars. The dollars used to fund this program come
from the City’s Housing Rehab Fund. The Housing Rehab Fund is funded by fees the City charges
on revenue bonds it issues on behalf of private not profit organizations in the community.
March 23, 2009
Fishing Pier Open at Lamplighter Pond
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 250
The Parks & Recreation Department applied for and received a grant from the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for a fishing pier at Lamplighter Pond
in Lamplighter Park (1800 Pennsylvania Avenue South). The installation is
complete and this new fishing pier is ready for use. While visiting the new pier,
enjoy the beauty of this 12.24 acre park and its .66 mile of paved walking trail. For
information on this or any of our other parks in St. Louis Park, visit the City’s website at
www.stlouispark.org.
March 30, 2009
Plan by Neighborhood Public Process
We have had three of our neighborhood cluster
meetings for the Plan by Neighborhood section of
the Comprehensive Plan and they have gone very
well. We had 10-12 neighbors each meeting; all
were very engaged in telling us about their
neighborhoods. At each meeting we first gave a
brief presentation on the Comprehensive Plan
update. The neighbors then worked with a “game
board” to identify things going on in their local
areas. Following a break due to spring breaks and
religious holidays, the additional neighborhood
meetings will held in mid to late April and early
May, as shown on the schedule and map below.
All at 7-9 p.m. City Council Chambers
Date Neighborhoods
Thursday, March
12th
Blackstone, Cedarhurst, Eliot, Eliot View
Thursday, March
19th
Pennsylvania Park, Willow Park, Westwood Hills, Cedar Manor, Westdale,
Crestview, Shelard Park, Kilmer
Tuesday, March 24th Cobblecrest, Texa Tonka, Minnehaha, Amhurst, Aquila, Oak Hill
Thursday, April 16th Bronx Park, Birchwood, Lenox, Sorensen
Thursday, April 23rd Lake Forest, Fern Hill, Triangle
Thursday, April 30th Wolfe Park, Minikahda Oaks, Minikahda Vista, Browndale
Tuesday, May 5th South Oak Hill, Meadowbrook, Brooklawns, Elmwood, Creekside,
Brookside
April 6, 2009
St. Louis Park Receives Another Innovations Award!!
I am pleased to announce that for the third time the City of St. Louis Park has been chosen as a
2008-09 Local Government Innovations Award winner by the Public and Non Profit Leadership
Center at the Humphrey Institute of the University of Minnesota. This year’s award recognizes our
highly successful anti- graffiti initiative. On Wednesday, April 15 an awards program and reception
will be held at the Humphrey Institute. City staff will be in attendance to provide a brief
presentation and receive the award. Many thanks need to be given to the departments and staff in
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 251
our organization for the excellent teamwork in making this initiative such a success. Very well
done!!!
Beautify the Park
The 2009 Beautify the Park effort is now underway thanks to the E-Group, which is the internal
staff group that works on environmental issues. As you may remember, last year was the first
Beautify the Park initiative, which encourages neighborhoods and citizens to get out and spruce up
their yards and neighborhoods.
Building on last year’s success, the E-Group is promoting Beautify the Park in the latest edition of
the Park Perspective. Residents are asked to pick up litter in their yards and in their neighborhoods
to make the Park look great. Throughout April and May, St. Louis Park will also have individuals,
volunteer groups, citizens, school groups and businesses involved in Beautifying the Park through
the annual park and open space clean-up(s), coordinated by Sarah Krzesowiak.
The E-Group is marketing 2009 environmental events under the Beautify the Park banner, including
the Minnehaha Creek Clean-up, Earth Day/Arbor Day, Green Remodeling Workshops and more.
Upcoming events are as follows:
April
Now through April 15 – Tree Sale
4/16 Raingarden Workshop (Metroblooms), Rec Center Banquet Room, 6:30 p.m.
4/18 Minnehaha Creek Clean-up– Creekside Park, 10 a.m.
4/25 Tree Planting Workshop - Westwood Nature Center, 9 a.m.
4/25 Earth/Arbor Day Celebration – Westwood Nature Center, 9 a.m.
May
5/2 Tree Sale Distribution - MSC, 10 a.m.
5/3 St. Louis Park Remodeling Tour featuring Green Certified Home – Noon - 4 p.m.
5/12 Green Remodeling Workshop w/MN GreenStar - Council Chambers, 6:30 p.m.
In addition, the E-Group has created a Beautify the Park opportunity for city staff at Westwood
Hills Nature Center on April 25th and April 27th. With supervisor approval, employees can take a
few hours either day and contribute to the beauty of Westwood Hills Nature Center through hard,
get-your-hands-dirty work, such as landscaping, planting, litter pick-up and raking.
April 13, 2009
City Launches 2nd Annual Beautify the Park Campaign
The city launched its second annual Beautify the Park campaign this week with
its own Web page and a viral video featuring Mayor Jeff Jacobs. The campaign
is all about promoting Earth Day & Arbor Day celebrations and the various
clean up and park pick-up events scheduled in spring, along with promoting
the idea that residents pitch in and clean up their own properties this time of
year. The video will be featured on YouTube in addition to the city’s website,
and other promotions for Beautify the Park will appear on posters in city and
community buildings, in publications and on Twitter.
City employees will be participating in Beautify the Park this year by helping with a variety of
projects at Westwood Hills Nature Center, including tree planting, trash pickup, buckthorn removal,
and more!
Learn more about the Beautify the Park events and check out the video on Friday at
www.beautifythepark.org.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 252
Neighborhood Association Annual Meetings
Spring is a busy season for St. Louis Park Neighborhood Associations. Several
neighborhoods host annual clean up events in conjunction with Earth Day, and
many also have their Annual Meetings in the spring. Listed below are some of
the neighborhood association meetings that are scheduled in the coming weeks:
• Creekside Neighborhood Annual Meeting Tuesday, April 14th, 7:00 pm at St. Dunstan’s
Church (lower level), 4241 Brookside Ave
• Brookside Neighborhood Annual Meeting Tuesday, April 14th, 6:15 – 8:15 pm at Slavic
Emmanuel Church, 5524 W 41st St
• Elmwood Neighborhood Annual Meeting Thursday, April 16th, 7:00 pm at Union
Congregational Church, 3700 Alabama Ave S
• Sorensen Neighborhood Annual Meeting Thursday, April 30th, 6:30 – 8:00 pm at First
Lutheran Church, 5801 Minnetonka Boulevard
April 20, 2009
Earth Day and Arbor Day Open House
The Arbor Day celebration (combined with Earth Day celebration) at the
Westwood Nature Center (8300 West Franklin Avenue) will be held on
Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and will be the 30th Arbor
Day celebration in St. Louis Park. This celebration fulfills one of the
requirements for Tree City USA award/designation. The other requirements
are a formal proclamation of Arbor Day, $2.00 per capita forestry budget
(which we far exceed) and a “tree board” or formal citizen committee (for us
it is the Parks and Recreation Commission). The 2008 Tree City (we receive
the award for last year’s efforts now) designation for St. Louis Park will be
our 29th year of being awarded Tree City USA, bestowed upon the City by
the National Arbor Day Foundation and State of Minnesota. This formal
award has not yet been presented to the City of St. Louis Park, but should happen sometime in April
(no date confirmed yet). For this year’s celebration, we have 60 trees for planting, as well as music, a
raptor demonstration and refreshments. We focus our Arbor Day efforts at the Westwood Nature
Center to reforest, restore and diversify the forest that has been lost (thousands of trees lost to
Dutch elm disease on the grounds) the past 8 years.
Earth Day is annually celebrated on April 22nd internationally (in the northern hemisphere) and is
formally being celebrated on Saturday, April 25th (simultaneously with Arbor Day), in St. Louis Park.
Earth Day provides us a chance to promote our priority of being environmental stewards, as well as
promote the beauty and resource of Westwood Hills Nature Center.
Reminder - 5th Annual Home Remodeling Tour – Sunday, May 3, 2009
Let’s hope for another sunny day for our fifth annual home remodeling tour
scheduled for Sunday, May 3, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Residents have
been invited and informed through the Park Perspective, Cable TV, website,
Sun Sailor and a direct mailing piece to every owner occupied home.
Again this year, six homes will be featured in this self-guided tour that represents a variety of
remodeling and expansion projects. This year, the tour will feature the newly constructed MN
GreenStar certified home at 2600 Natchez. To further promote the city’s environmental
stewardship, residents will have an opportunity to take the MN Energy Challenge at this home.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 253
Staff from Community Development and Inspections along with Center for Energy and
Environment will act as co-hosts with the owners to welcome residents. Staff will provide
information related to city housing goals, improvement programs, zoning ordinances and building.
Benilde-St. Margaret’s (BSM) Project Modifications
Council approved the BSM plans for modifications to its recreational
facilities in January 2009. Since then, BSM has learned more about the total
project cost and it has been determined that the costs exceed available funding. A major expense
relates to stormwater retention. During the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District approval process,
costs increased as BSM made additions and changes to its proposed underground stormwater
containment system to meet MCWD standards. To bring down costs, BSM is now proposing
changes to the site plan that will require a major amendment to the Special Permit. Major changes
include an above-ground stormwater pond, a reduction in the size of the proposed south practice
field, and the removal of additional cottonwood trees to accommodate the construction of a new
wetland mitigation area. The BSM application is currently scheduled to go before the Planning
Commission at its May 6th meeting.
April 27, 2009
Lake Street Office Center earns Best in Real Estate Award
The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal hosted its annual Best in
Real Estate awards program this week and we are pleased to announce
that the Lake Street Office Center (constructed on former Erv’s
Small Engine Repair site) received the Best in Real Estate Award as an
exceptional new medical/office development!
A panel of third-party real estate experts judged the 4,000 square foot
office project on physical attributes, community impact, market impact, size, “green” features and
complexity of the deal. The Lake Street Office Center ranked above the other finalist, Mill City
Clinic. The project was highlighted in the April 17, 2009 edition of the Minneapolis/St. Paul
Business Journal (see attached pdf).
Paul Hyde, CEO of Real Estate Recycling, expressed “his profound thanks to the City for its help
with the planning, remediation, and redevelopment of the Lake Street Office Center. This complex
project could not have achieved such high esteem without the City’s assistance!”
Real Estate Recycling has reached an agreement to sell the property to a medical specialty clinic
which expects to occupy the building before the end of the year.
Minnehaha Creek Clean-Up
As the kick-off to our Beautify the Park initiative, residents enjoyed great weather and cleaned up a
section of Minnehaha Creek on Saturday, April 18. Approximately 150 people
came out (far beyond the city’s expectations and twice as many as those who
preregistered) to help us clean up the creek, with folks as diverse as our Parks
and Recreation Advisory Commissioners, St. Louis Park High School girls’
Lacrosse team, two Boy Scout troops, several businesses and many individual
residents. Park Commissioners, along with staff, lead groups to different areas
of the creek to maximize the effectiveness of the clean-up. There was a great
deal of debris collected.
The response of participants was terrific and kept growing throughout the
three-hour event. There was enough time and volunteers to move away from the creek and clean-up
a section of the nearby SW Regional Trail (west from Louisiana Avenue to the City of Hopkins
border).
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 254
After all groups were done picking up debris, everyone came back to Creekside Park for a lunch
served by Rick Birno, Recreation Superintendent, and family. Thanks goes out to the residents, the
High School Girls Lacrosse team, the Boy Scout troops, the Parks and Recreation Advisory
Commission, and the Parks and Recreation Department staff, including Josh Nelson, Rick Beane
(and his family), Rick Birno (and his family) and Jim Vaughan.
Prairie Grass Burns
Prairie Restorations (“PR”) will be conducting prescribed burns in the
following locations the week of April 27th:
• Lamplighter Lake
• Twin Lakes
• Westwood Hills Nature Center
• Wolfe Lake
Specific days are variable, due to the weather elements. Due to the dry conditions, this may be
postponed.
May 4, 2009
St. Louis Park Preparedness for Swine Flu
St. Louis Park has been actively preparing for the potential of a pandemic for a
number of years. While the swine flu as of this printing has not been declared a
pandemic and only a limited number of confirmed cases have occurred in the
U.S., there are plans and procedures in place to ensure an effective response.
Health officials are reminding people to observe routine public health recommendations for
preventing the spread of the flu:
• Stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from
catching your illness.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those
around you from getting sick.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from
others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Wash your hands often to protect yourself from germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches
something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits. Keep yourself strong – and more resistant to disease – by
getting plenty of sleep, staying physically active, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids and
eating nutritious food.
If you would like more information, refer to the following web sites: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu,
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/flu/swine/index.html and
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/business/businesschecklist.html
If this new flu outbreak becomes more serious, further information will be passed along to you.
May 11, 2009
Beehive/Roadside Park Grand Opening
Mark your calendar and plan to join us on Monday, July 13 at 6 p.m.
for the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for our new historical
park at the southeast corner of Highway 100 and County Road 25.
During the past two years, the city has partnered with the Minnesota
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 255
Department of Transportation, St. Louis Park Historical Society, Hennepin County Regional Rail
Authority, Three Rivers Park District and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to
relocate and restore the 1939 Wayside Park features, add new features, and a new trail connection to
the Southwest Regional bike trail. Parking is limited at this location. Walking and biking to the park
is highly recommended. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be canceled.
May 11, 2009
Parks & Rec Updates
• The Trail connection from Lilac Park, the new home of the Beehive, and
the regional trail will begin the week of May 11.
• The sand and water play area at the Aquatic Park has been reconstructed
and will be ready to open on June 5 when the pool opens for the season
• Community garden plots are now available at Hurd Park. We have
worked out a parking agreement with Peace Presbyterian church to allow
gardeners to park in the church parking lot.
• The picnic shelters at Wolfe Park are receiving new roofs as a result of the hail storm last year.
2009 Home Remodeling Tour
Another sunny success – Sunday, May 3 was a gorgeous day to be outside
and the response to our fifth annual tour was once again enthusiastic. The
overwhelming response from residents was excitement that the City is
working to retain them as residents and promote expansion of existing
homes. Residents stated that actually seeing the types of remodeling projects
that can be done and talking with the residents and contractors about their project was very helpful.
This year the tour featured the newly constructed MN GreenStar certified home at the previously
vacant city lot at 2600 Natchez. The home highlighted green components residents could
incorporate into their remodeling projects. Additionally, residents were encouraged to sign up for
the MN Energy Challenge while touring this home.
While difficult to tabulate the number of residents that toured, the number of visitors per home
ranged from 360 to 530, with a total of 2,676 visitors counted; some attendees visited all the homes
while others visited just the homes similar to theirs. Last year attendance at the homes ranged from
240 - 516.
The tour is designed to meet the City Vision and housing goal of promoting and facilitating
expansion of existing houses, and promotion of green remodeling. The tour provides an
opportunity to promote the City’s technical, design assistance and loan programs in a friendly
community environment.
The generous residents that shared their homes with the community really made the tour a success.
As a thank you, residents that opened their homes were presented with a gift certificate to Home
Depot.
Bike Walk Week
Senior Planner Sean Walther is asking for individuals to join him the week of May
14 in celebrating the largest celebration of biking and walking both sides of the
Mississippi! The Challenge: Bike or walk to work at least once next week. It is fun.
It is healthy. It is “green.” It is less expensive than driving. If that is not enough to
entice you, then take advantage of discounts and maybe win prizes, too! Visit the
website below for details and register for Bike Walk Week. The City of St. Louis Park is a
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 256
registered team. Represent the Park. No experience is necessary and experienced guides will be
leading “Bike and Walk Buses” from neighborhoods all over the metro-area. For more details, check
out: http://www.bikewalkweek.org. Sean’s goal is to recruit 25 co-workers to participate.
2009 Beautify the Park
The E-Group Beautify the Park Event for 2009 was held at Westwood
Hills Nature Center on April 27 and 30. This year more than 30 City
employees from several departments joined together to share their
commitment to environmental stewardship within the community.
Employees were given the opportunity to spend a portion of their work
day outside with others from different departments within the City.
Together, the staff helped with prairie restoration, rain garden planting, tree planting, raking,
mulching and debris clean up. Approximately 650 prairie and rain garden plants along with 60 trees
and shrubs were planted. In addition, Westwood’s rain gardens, prairie and parking lot prairie were
seeded. Thanks to CITE and the E-Group for supporting the event and to City employees for their
hard work and camaraderie.
This was a new event this year for staff and it went smoothly because of good pre-planning and
organization. Special thanks to Carrie Haslerud, Mark Zembryki, Greg Feinberg, Lori Vail, Jim
Vaughan, Mark Oestreich, Sandy McCartney, Jamie Hamilton and Josh Nelson for making the day a
success.
Upcoming Meetings/Events
SW Transit Light Rail Study and Freight Rail Study Community Meeting– Hennepin County
staff and consultants will discuss both studies with residents on Wednesday, May 13 from 7:00 to
8:30 p.m. in the Banquet Room of the St. Louis Park Rec Center.
LRT Station Area Planning Open House – Draft station area plans for Louisiana, Wooddale and
Beltline will be reviewed at the open house being held on Thursday, May 14 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
in Council Chambers at St. Louis Park City Hall.
Neighborhood Plant Exchanges
• The Minikahda Vista and Browndale neighborhoods are sponsoring their annual joint Plant
Swap and Sale on Saturday, May 9 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Browndale Park.
• Creekside and Brookside neighborhoods are sponsoring their joint Plant Exchanges Saturday,
May 16 from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at Jackley Park.
The neighborhoods encourage residents to bring plants from their garden to exchange. Examples
of plants include: hosta, day lilies, ferns, bulbs, peonies, lily of the valley, bleeding hearts, cannas, and
other perennial plants. For residents that do not have plants to exchange, they will have the
opportunity to purchase plants at both events with proceeds going to the neighborhood associations
to help fund future projects in 2009. These events have been very popular in the past and are great
examples of neighborhood associations working together.
13th Annual Browndale Neighborhood Garage Sale -- The Browndale Neighborhood
Association is sponsoring a neighborhood wide garage sale on Saturday, May 16 from 8:00 a.m. to
3:00 p.m.
May 25, 2009
MN Energy Challenge Update
The E-Group, the city’s internal environmental group, is working hard to
get out the word about the Minnesota Energy Challenge. As of Thursday
noon, 383 residents have signed up, moving St. Louis Park into sixth place
overall for Minnesota cities. Their pledges have resulted in an annual
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 257
savings of 2,002,705 lbs of carbon dioxide. Future opportunities for sign-up include the Community
Open House and Parktacular.
June 1, 2009
We’re Pumping A Lot of Water
Scott Anderson, Utility Superintendent reports that water usage by the
community has been at approximately 10 million gallons per day for the last
week or so. This is, of course, due to the dry weather and is the first time in
Scott’s long history with the City that this much water was being used this early
in the year. Average usage in the winter months is at around 6 million gallons
per day. A big thanks to the Utility Division staff for keeping the water
flowing.
Beautify the Park
A total of 791 volunteers collected 128 bags of trash in April and May from
bike trails, Ford Road, school grounds and fields, most of the Minnehaha
Creek area, Hwy 100 & 7 corner, and the following parks and areas:
Ainsworth, Aquila, Bass Lake Park, Bass Lake Preserve, Birchwood, Blackstone,
Browndale, Cedar Knoll, Cedar Manor, Elliot, Dakota, Fern Hill, Freedom, Hampshire, Hurd, Jackley,
Jorvig, Jersey, Keystone, Knollwood Green, Louisiana Oaks, Minnehaha Basin, Minikahda Vista, Oak Hill,
Oregon, Otten Pond, Parkview, Pennsylvania, Rainbow, Roxbury, Sunshine, Twin Lakes, Victoria Lake,
Westdale, Westling Pond Area, Willow, and Wolfe
This was possible because of the help from individuals and families, Adopt a Park volunteers, and
the following organizations: Students from all the Public Elementary Schools, the Sr. High Special
Ed. Class, the Admission Possible Program, Wells Fargo Insurance Co, ACE Supply Company,
Benilde St. Margaret’s 8th grade, Blackstone Neighborhood Association, Creekside Neighborhood
Association, Bass Lake Neighborhood Association, Elliot View Neighborhood Association, Willow
Park Neighborhood Association, Minnehaha Neighborhood Association, Girl Scout Troop #
10907, Sabes Jewish Community Center, and Cub Scout Pack 738.
Neighborhood & Event Date & Time Location
Creekside Neighborhood
Meadowbrook Butterfly
Garden Planting
Saturday, May 30th
10:00 am
Bench on Meadowbrook
Blvd in the Creekside
Neighborhood
Brookside Garage Sale Saturday, June 6th
8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Brookside Neighborhood
Sorensen Neighborhood
Garage Sale
Saturday, June 6th
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Sorensen Neighborhood
South Oak Hill
Neighborhood Ice Cream
Social
Saturday, June 6th
2:00 – 4:00 pm
Edgebrook Park
Westwood Hills
Neighborhood Ice Cream
Social
Sunday, June 7th
6:00 – 7:30 pm
Westwood Hills Nature
Center
Aquila Neighborhood “Bike
Trail meet and Greet”
Saturday, June 6th
1:00 – 3:00 pm
Bike trail
Creekside Neighborhood
Block Party
Sunday, June 7th
5:00 – 7:00 pm
Jackley Park
Elmwood Neighborhood
Picnic
Wednesday, June 16th
6:00 pm
Justad Park
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 258
June 8, 2009
City Awarded $220,000 CDBG-R Funds
We are pleased to share the information that the Hennepin County Board
awarded $100,000 to the City’s Aquila Park Improvements and $120,000 to the
Project for Pride in Living, Louisiana Court energy improvement project. The
City had budgeted $335,000 for the improvements at Aquila Park, and the
$100,000 CDBG funds will allow the previously budgeted funds to be used for
other projects. Council consideration to accept the awards and authorize
execution of subrecipient agreements will be scheduled for a meeting as soon
as the County has prepared agreements.
Background Information: This is a highly unusual CDBG process. Hennepin County used a
competitive process for selecting projects rather than allocating each city funds per the standard
allocation formula. They determined the minimum project amount would be $100,000. Congress
had a number of mandates that needed to be in place to secure this funding.
The County received sixteen proposals requesting over $3 million, and selected four projects for
funding; Osseo Public Safety Building ($200,000); Project for Pride In Living- Louisiana Court Apts
Energy Improvements ($120,000); and Aquila Neighborhood Park in St. Louis Park ($100,000); and
Dow Towers Public Housing in Hopkins ($200,000). Ranking criteria included jobs created, ability
to contract within 120 days, meeting one or more ARRA priorities, and ability to implement the
project with available funding. The County’s CDBG-R application will be submitted to HUD this
Friday. They have 45 days to approve. In the meantime subrecipient agreements will be drafted.
Other Wonderful Outdoor Opportunities Available On Park Finder
The St. Louis Park website has an exception interactive application called Park Finder that allows
you to select a park name or related amenity from a drop down list to learn more about all the
wonderful outdoor opportunities available to you in the Park. Check it out at
http://www.stlouispark.org/neighborhood_parks.htm#698.
Update on Ash Borer Meeting To Be Held in St. Louis Park
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has scheduled an open house in St.
Louis Park to update residents about the infestation of the ash borer, the steps
being taken to protect the state’s trees and recommendations for property
owners on Monday, June 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the St. Louis Park Rec Center,
3700 Monterey Drive. Experts from the Agriculture Department, municipal
governments, the state Department of Nature Resources, the University of Minnesota, and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will be on hand.
St. Louis Park Environmental Coordinator Jim Vaughan will be present representing the interests of
St. Louis Park and its 4,000 boulevard ash trees, 3,000 private ash trees and 1,000 park and city
property ash trees, the majority being Green Ash. Ash trees have not been planted on boulevards or
parks since 2004. City staff has been busy inspecting ash trees in St. Louis Park and responding to
many resident calls regarding this matter. To date, there have been no ash trees identified in St.
Louis Park infested with the Emerald Ash Borer and if a tree were potentially identified, there is
protocol in place to work with local officials to inform the State, who in turn informs the Federal
government who comes out to the site and “officially” declares the tree with Emerald Ash Borer
before any public notification occurs, thereby minimizing hysteria and panic.
The first infestation in Minnesota of the ash borer was found near University and Raymond
Avenues in St. Paul on May 13, putting Minnesota’s 900 million ash tress at risk. Minnesota is
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 259
second to Maine in its ash population. As of Thursday, May 28, 59 infested trees have been found
without a half mile of the first discovery.
Recycling Plastics Educational Campaign
Attached is a summary of the recent educational campaign that took place in
St. Louis Park regarding the recycling of plastics.
Spring Clean-Up Events
Community Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off – June 11-June 13, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Daily
-- Louisiana Oaks Park (south parking lot) 3500 Louisiana Ave S.
Electronics and household hazardous waste accepted. Call
612.348.3777 or visit www.hennepin.us/collectionevents for
a complete list of accepted items.
Annual Spring Clean-Up Day - - June 13, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. -- Junior
High, 2025 Texas Ave S.
For St. Louis Park residents only. Items such as furniture, tires, leftover
remodeling supplies, appliances, electronics and equipment (lawn mowers and snow blowers
drained of all fluids) can be brought to the event. A disposal fee will be charged for all items. Note
- there will be a charge for electronics this year. For more information, call (952) 924-2555 or visit
http://www.stlouispark.org/events.htm#3598
On-Road Courses Teach Urban Biking Skills
The Minneapolis Bike Walk Ambassadors are offering an extensive nine-hour
course for folks interested in doing more to develop their skills as an urban
bicyclist in St. Louis Park in June. This course, which combines a classroom
setting and traffic principles training/discussion with on-road instruction and
bike handling, will help you develop your skills as an urban bicyclist.
Smart Cycling courses are FREE. The course is being held on St. Louis Park
on June 26 (5 – 8 p.m.) and June 27 (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.) at St. Louis Park City
Hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd. For additional information or to enroll, contact Jacqueline Scott-
Hopkins at jacquelinesh@ci.minneapolis.mn.us or 612-333-3410) or visit
http://www.bikewalktwincities.org/ambassadors/registration.html
June 15, 2009
Community Open House A Huge Success
The St. Louis Park Community Open House was held Tuesday, June 9th, at the Rec Center and
Wolfe Park. Despite the cloudy weather with a high of 66 degrees, there was a fantastic turnout for
the event! The primary reason for undertaking this event was to help address a Vision SLP Strategic
Direction of being a “Connected and Engaged Community” – to bring the community together.
Representatives from every City department participated in the event. Residents had the
opportunity to learn about the City in fun, interactive ways. Whether it was checking to see how
well you wash your hands, playing a recycling game, voting for your favorite sport, or checking out
the red tailed hawk, every department had something fun and educational to offer. Of course the
kids also enjoyed checking out the City vehicles, swimming, ice skating and everyone enjoyed the
food! THANK YOU to all the City staff that planned and participated in the Community Open
House. We’ve received a lot of positive feedback about the event and everyone had a great time!
Community Open House - by the numbers:
• 1800 Hot Dogs consumed
• 1780 Chips/Doritos/Cheetos
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 260
• 1250 Ice Cream Sandwiches & Freeze Pops
• 500 reusable water bottles distributed by Public Works
• 124 kids voted for their favorite sport, here are the top three:
1. 44 – swimming
2. 28 – soccer
3. 19 – baseball
• 17 city tables
• 10 boxes of books sold by Bookmark in the Park
• 10 City vehicles (police car, communications van, cable TV truck, fire truck, Eureka
Recycling truck, street sweeper, dump truck, Vactor/sewer cleaning machine, Toro mower,
and John Deere tractor)
• 9 Community Organizations represented
• 5 band members in Glad Rags, the band that played in the amphitheater
• 3 animals from the nature center (red tailed hawk, salamander, and fox snake)
• 2 inflatables
• 1 DJ (in the swimming pool)
• 1 skating rink
• live cable TV show
• Unlimited Fun
Check out the photo gallery at www.stlouispark.org.
13th Annual Parktacular Celebration
Don’t miss this grand community event, celebrating its 13th year. Have a blast, bring the kids, listen
to great music, and eat delicious food at this year's Parktacular. Enjoy water and carnival games,
inflatables and a 25-foot climbing wall. Purchase food at Taste of St. Louis Park. The festivities run
from June 18 through June 21 and include the senior dinner and coronation; street dance, Grand
Day Parade, Kids Fest, Promote Yourself trade show, Kids Eco Fair, canoe and kayak rides, a
Saturday evening concert by The Whitesidewalls, Belgian waffle brunch and a community faith
service! Visit www.parktacular.org for a full schedule of events. Most events are free with a button
that can be purchased for $5. Most events will be take place at Wolfe Park, 3700 Monterey Drive.
June 22, 2009
2010 Home Remodeling Fair Update
The 2010 Home Remodeling Fair Committee is supporting a brand change for next year’s fair. The
new logo and message will be designed to emphasize the cooperation of the four cities and
community education departments of St. Louis Park, Golden Valley, Hopkins and Minnetonka. The
message will demonstrate the effort of the cities and Community Education departments to be
efficient and cost effective while meeting the needs of our residents. It will also be designed to
appeal to the “urban style, suburban tranquility, connected community” theme along with current
and emerging trends in remodeling. The 2010 prepared budget ensures the fair will continue to be
self sustaining with the vendor registration fees covering the full costs of the fair.
Upcoming Neighborhood Association Events/Activities
June is an active time for the St. Louis Park neighborhood associations. Here are a few more
upcoming events scheduled by the neighborhood associations.
Neighborhood & Event Date & Time Location
Browndale Summer Solstice
Dance in the Park
Saturday, June 20th
7:00 – 10:00 pm
Browndale Park
Oak Hill Neighborhood
Summer Family Fun Event
Wednesday, June 24th
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Oak Hill Park
Crestview Summer Solstice
Picnic
*Thursday, June 25th (new
date) 5:30 pm – dusk
18th Ave and Fairway Lane
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 261
Birchwood Neighborhood
Picnic
Thursday, June 25th
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Birchwood Park
Minikahda Vista
Neighborhood Garage Sale
Saturday, June 27th
8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Throughout Minikahda Vista
Neighborhood
July 27, 2009
Step To It Challenge Results
Eleven communities participated in the 2009
Step To It Challenge, which is a walking
program that motivates people of all ages to
take an important step in getting more
physically fit. This four-week physical activity
program was designed by Hennepin County
Public Health Promotion (PHP) to encourage
family members, coworkers, schoolmates,
neighbors, and friends to come together in
walking groups or teams to participate in a
friendly community challenge.
The cities of Plymouth and Brooklyn Park were in a tight battle for "Most Overall Steps." It was
close, but Brooklyn Park walked away with the victory. As for the "Highest Average Number of
Steps per Participant" award, most of the 11 cities in this year's competition were just a handful of
steps apart. A fourth-week push put Golden Valley over the top for the win, beating St. Louis
Park by 9 steps. Hopkins' City Council took the honors for "Most Steps Walked By a City
Council," while Brooklyn Park's City Council walked the "Highest Average Number of Steps per
Councilmember."
This year the Minnesota Twins joined as proud sponsors of the 2009 Step To It Challenge. On July
29, the Twins will honor the 10 participants who logged the most steps from each city during their
home game. Each of the top 10 received tickets for their family to attend the game. The Twins have
also provided a four-pack of tickets to five families from each city that finish with the most steps.
Special thanks to our Parks & Recreation department for coordinating this effort, especially
Recreation Supervisors Jenny Buskey and Nate Rosa and Intern Jesse Lutterman.
August 17, 2009
Farmers Market On The Plaza – Wednesdays through October 21
The market features an assortment of locally grown fresh products, fresh baked
goods, and beautiful art pieces. “Farmers Market on the Plaza” is a member of
Minnesota Grown. The market is located on the plaza adjacent to The Rec Center
(3700 Monterey Drive). For more information, please call (952) 924-2540. Market
Hours: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM (closes at 6:00 PM Oct 7, 14 and 21).
August 31, 2009
St. Louis Park Takes Top Award in the Minnesota Community Pride Competition
As we reported last week, the City of St. Louis Park participated in the
Reinventing Minnesota’s 25th Anniversary Minnesota Community Pride
Competition/ Category–specific Awards. In addition to the three categories
mentioned last week, it was just announced that the Lilac Park/Beehive
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 262
Restoration was awarded the top prize in the Natural Resources/Environment Parks category.
Recreation Superintendent Rick Birno will be receiving the award at the State Fair on September 6.
There was no voting for this particular award, St. Louis Park won it outright.
September 7, 2009
City Hall and Police Department Get Exterior Landscape Lift
City Hall and the Police Department are undergoing an exterior landscape lift.
The scope of the project anticipated to start September 14 and conclude the first
week in October, weather dependent, includes the following upgrades, some of
which have already been completed as noted:
• Replacement of existing irrigation system
• Replacement of the retaining wall along the north side of the upper parking lot (completed)
• Regrade City Hall site to better control runoff of storm water.
• Replacement of all plant material around City Hall and in front of the Police Department
• Repair and extend timber retaining walls at various locations on the site.
• Add planters and seating area at the main entrance
• Replacement of dead trees along Minnetonka Boulevard
• Replacement of sod
As crews work on the site, we will inevitably have some parking issues, and ask for your patience
during this time. Facilities staff will be blocking off areas as the construction crew moves about the
site. The landscape project will complete the City Hall exterior renovation project started last year.
Department of Energy Approves City’s Grant Request
The U.S. Department of Energy has approved the city’s Energy & Efficiency
Conservation Block Grant application to retrofit inefficient light fixtures in the
police department and upgrade lighting in traffic signals and pedestrian heads
throughout the city. The $198,000 grant has its roots in the 2009 Recovery Act and
it is intended to create jobs and improve energy efficiencies throughout the nation.
The city could save as much as $25,000 annually on electric and repair costs once the lighting
efficiency projects are completed.
Have You Joined the St. Louis Park Energy Challenge Team Yet?
The Minnesota Energy Challenge is a tool to improve everyone’s
awareness of the energy they consume and ways to reduce their
consumption. It is the goal of the city to have 1,000 families complete
the challenge as a first step in raising awareness and reducing the city’s
overall energy consumption. Joining the St. Louis Park team is easy
to do and you need only reside or work in St. Louis Park to sign up. To register, visit
http://mnenergychallenge.org and hit the “Get Started” bar on the right hand side of the page.
Here you will be asked to make small five changes – from washing your clothes in cold water, to
turning your thermostat down 2 degrees, to recycling – things you are probably already doing. If
you reside in St. Louis Park, just listing St. Louis Park as your town puts you on the St. Louis Park
team. If you don’t live in St. Louis Park, in the “Optional MN Energy Challenge team selection”,
just type in City of St. Louis Park and hit the radio button below to confirm and you will be
registered. You may register on up to three different teams.
September 14, 2009
Hydrant Tests Scheduled
Performance testing on the city’s fire hydrant system in several
neighborhoods is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 14.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 263
Conducted in accordance with the American Water Works Association’s recommended
maintenance, the testing will occur in the Fern Hill, Triangle, Minikahda Oaks, Wolfe Park,
Minikahda Vista, Browndale, Brookside, Creekside, Elmwood, Brooklawns and Meadowbrook
neighborhoods. Conducted by M.E. Simpson Company over the next six weeks, the hydrants will
be opened for the testing, but unlike the flushing done in the springtime that cleans water mains, the
hydrants will only be open for a short amount of time. Residents may see some water discoloration
during this housekeeping procedure. Individuals with questions regarding this performance testing
can call 952.924.2558.
St. Louis Park Takes Top Award in the Minnesota Community Pride Competition
The City of St. Louis Park participated in the Reinventing Minnesota’s 25th
Anniversary Minnesota Community Pride Competition/ Category–specific
Awards that were awarded on September 6 at the Minnesota State Fair. St.
Louis Park was recognized for the following awards:
Natural Resources/Environment Parks Category: Top Prize: Lilac Park/Beehive Restoration
Arts & Culture Category: Honorable Mention: St. Louis Park Children First 40 Assets artwork
project.
Community Beautification: Runner Up: St. Louis Park Beautify the Park. This program
encourages residents to take pride in their neighborhood and do their part to clean up the Park.
Community Design: Runner Up: St. Louis Park Elmwood Neighborhood 36th St. Streetscape
Design. This nomination is for the design and rebuilding of the streetscape along 36th Street to
create a safe and attractive pedestrian environment and connect important community destinations.
Congratulations to everyone involved in these projects.
September 28, 2009
Online Request for Garbage Service Change/New Service Available on City’s Website
An online solid waste selection form for customers to use when they wish to change their level of
service or add new services has been developed and is available on the city’s website at
http://www.stlouispark.org/2009cartselectionform.htm. Solid waste services carry over from a
previous resident to the new resident. In the past, if a change of service level was requested by
either an existing or new customer, a form was mailed and the
request was processed once the form was returned. This new online
offering was developed to provide another level of customer service
and to expedite service request changes. Service requests are still
available to customers via paper form and are also processed over
the phone. Requests received and processed online, in paper form or
by telephone are forwarded to our provider and carts are changed out
within two weeks after processing. Special thanks to Pat
Sulander in Finance and Jason Huber in Information Resources for implementing this new feature.
October 5, 2009
Fall Clean Up Event
The city's annual Fall Clean-up Day will be held Oct. 10, from 8 a.m. to 1
p.m. at St. Louis Park Junior High, 2025 Texas Ave. S. Items such as
furniture, tires, leftover remodeling supplies, appliances, electronics and
equipment (lawn mowers and snow blowers drained of all fluids) can be
brought to the event. A disposal fee will be charged for all items, and there
will be a fee for dropping off electronics this year.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 264
Disposal fees and acceptable items to donate can be found on the city's website
(www.stlouispark.org). The Clean-Up Day is sponsored by the City and Waste Management and is
provided as a lower-cost alternative to having items picked up at your home.
Revitalize the Rail Trail Volunteer Tree Planting Saturday October 10
Seasoned veteran or never planted a tree before, all are welcome on Saturday,
October 10 to volunteer to help Tree Trust plant 100 trees along the Cedar Lake
LRT Trail (Highway 7 Service Road and Salem Avenue South in St. Louis Park
starting at 9 a.m. To register or request additional information regarding the
event, contact Jessica Schneider at Tree Trust by email at jessicas@treetrust.org or
phone at 651.644.5800. You can also visit Tree Trust’s website at
http://www.treetrust.org. This planting if funded by a grant from Xcel Energy Foundation.
October 12, 2009
MAC - Airport Noise Public Input Meeting
The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) will be holding an airport
noise Public Input Meeting in St. Louis Park on Tuesday October 27th at 7
p.m. at City Hall. MAC staff members will provide residents with updates on
the Noise Oversight Committee activities, airport operations and flight paths.
Community members will have the opportunity to ask questions, provide
comments, and voice concerns about airport noise issues.
While not a direct neighbor to the airport, St. Louis Park experiences significant overhead flight
noise in some areas of the community as incoming flights align with the parallel runways for
landing. The number of flights, wind direction, type of aircraft, and runway rotations all contribute
to the amount of airport noise experienced.
We share in representing an at-large seat on MAC’s Noise Oversight Committee with the cities of
Apple Valley, Burnsville, Inver Grove Heights, St. Paul, and Sunfish Lake. The Inspection
Department responds locally to questions or complaints on noise and the Director serves as the city
representative on the committee. Council will receive an overview of airport noise history (Airport
101) in their weekly packet.
October 19, 2009
Revitalize the Rail Trail Volunteer Tree Planting Rescheduled for Saturday October 17
If you are a seasoned veteran or never planted a tree before, all are welcome on Saturday, October
17 (originally scheduled for October 10 but cancelled due to weather) to volunteer to help Tree
Trust plant 100 trees along the Cedar Lake LRT Trail (Highway 7 Service Road and Salem Avenue
South in St. Louis Park) starting at 9 a.m. To register or request additional information regarding the
event, contact Jessica Schneider at Tree Trust by email at jessicas@treetrust.org or phone at
651.644.5800. You can also visit Tree Trust’s website at http://www.treetrust.org. This planting is
funded by a grant from Xcel Energy Foundation.
October 26, 2009
SLP Selected for MN GreenStep Cities Demonstration Project
The Urban Land Institute has selected St. Louis Park as one of five cities to
participate in the MN GreenStep Cities Demonstration Project (see attached
acceptance letter). GreenStep Cities is an action-oriented voluntary program
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 265
offering a cost-effective, simple pathway leading to implementation of sustainable best practices that
focus on greenhouse gas reduction. GreenStep Cities include best practices in the areas of: building
and facilities, land use, transportation, environmental management, and community and economic
development. To find out more about this program, visit
http://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/greensteps
November 2, 2009
2009 Weed Notification Notices
St. Louis Park saw an increase for the second year in a row in the number of
weed notification and follow-up mowing notices. Notifications for the 2009
season were as follows:
o Total number of weed notices sent 267
o Number of addresses sent a second notice 29
o Number of addresses sent a third notice 2
In the past, the City experienced an average of 150 notifications being sent out for the season.
Pursuant to our ordinance, the process currently in place regarding weed notification is the mailing
of a notice for each infraction. The property owner has 7 days from the date of notification to
correct the violation. Within the 7 day period, city staff makes every attempt to contact the property
owner by phone or personal visit to the property to have them correct the violation. If the violation
has not been corrected or the property owner has not contacted the city at the expiration of the 7
day period, the city contracts with a mowing contractor. Each mowing of a standard size lot cost
the city $52 (the amount charged by the contractor). The city invoices the property owner $101 for
the first cutting, $151.50 for a second cutting and $202 for a third cutting at the same property
location.
In 2009, the city had 23 properties mowed once by the mowing contractor; 10 properties mowed
twice and one property moved three times. City seasonal crews mowed three properties out of the
23 cited as those properties had extremely long grass and required detail work (raking, bagging of
clippings, etc.). These three properties were invoiced at the standard $101 first cutting fee.
November 23, 2009
2009 Fall Clean-Up
Attached is a summary of the 2009 Fall Clean Up event held on Saturday, October 10 at St. Louis
Park Junior High School. Due to consistently low turn out at the fall event over the past several
years, staff is investigating the potential of eliminating or changing the fall event.
November 30, 2009
Excelsior & Grand Honored with LEED for Neighborhood Development Certification
I am pleased to announce that Excelsior & Grand, St. Louis Park’s 17
acre, mixed-use, residential and retail community, has been honored
with the nation’s first LEED for Neighborhood Development
certification for a “Stage 3, Completed Project”. Sponsored and
developed by the U.S. Green Building Council in collaboration with
the Congress for New Urbanism and the Natural Resources Defense
Council, the LEED-ND Pilot Program recognizes projects that
successfully protect and enhance the overall health, sustainability,
environment and quality of life in communities. According to the US Green Building Council,
“Excelsior & Grand has earned this recognition for excellence in the built environment and a place
among the finest developments incorporating the principles of smart growth, urbanism and green
design.” The award shows the City’s early dedication to sustainable urban design and a remarkable
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 266
achievement as the LEED for Neighborhood Development Pilot Program was not launched until
after Excelsior & Grand was complete. I am appreciative to everyone involved in this significant
redevelopment in the City and for the community’s continued support of innovative projects such as
Excelsior & Grand.
December 7, 2009
Westwood Nature Center Turkeys Featured on KARE 11
Filming for a Thanksgiving Day segment on the comeback of the Minnesota wild
turkey was shot at the Westwood Hills Nature Center. The individual speaking
on camera was from the Audubon Society. Along with the turkeys, also featured
in the segment produced by Sven Sundgaard was Interpretive Naturalist Greg
Feinberg. To watch the segment, visit
http://www.kare11.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=52749606001.
2009 Parks Season Recycling Efforts
The recycling season for our parks runs from approximately May 15 through
October 15, with a limited number of containers (40 containers) strategically
placed at selected parks (parks where organized league play is held, regional
parks and heavily used local parks). Recycling efforts in our parks has seemed
to level off a bit over the past 2 years, attributing the 2007 spike to the novelty
of the recycling effort, an increased public relations effort and placement of
containers within each park.
Contamination (disposal of garbage, non-recyclables into our recycling containers) seems to be our
biggest issue. When a container has over 5-10% garbage in it, our contractor for parks recycling
rejects the contents as recycling and disposes it as trash. The goal for 2010 is be to equal to 2007
efforts. We will review our container placement within each park and will increase our effort to
promote parks recycling to our organized league participants, neighborhood associations and general
public, early in spring of 2010.
Year Amount of Recycled Material Collected at Parks
(cans, plastic bottles and glass – mostly plastic bottles)
2006 1.7 tons
2007 3.2 tons
2008 2.2 tons
2009 1.9 tons
December 14, 2009
Federal Stimulus Energy Component to be added to the Pilot Green Remodeling Program
Part One -- Minnesota Federal Stimulus Funding for homeowners was announced on December 7th
in the form of an “Energy Saver Rebate”. The rebate will be restricted to residents using the MN
Housing’s Fix Up Fund Loan which the City already discounts for residents with household incomes
below $96,500. This unprecedented program will provide a 35% rebate for all qualifying energy improvement with
a maximum cash rebate of $10,000. The parameters for the rebate are consistent with improvements
eligible for the Federal Tax Credit of up to $1,500. The state has allocated $4,000,000 to this rebate
program which is on a first come, first serve basis.
Part Two -- St. Louis Park had been awarded a matching grant of $50,000 by the MN Housing
Finance Agency for the development, implementation and evaluation of a pilot green remodeling
program. The initial green remodeling pilot funded through the City, MN PCA and MN Housing
included workshops, green remodeling visits, house performance analysis, rating inspections,
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Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 267
discount loans, furnace and water heater rebates – all of which have been used by residents. MN
Housing funding has been used to buy down the discount loan for residents achieving green
certification and only three residents have completed remodeling projects that have achieved green
certification status. Since there is remaining state funding, MN Housing has agreed that funding can
now be used to further discount loans for resdients applying for the Energy Saver Rebate
We are promoting these incredible opportunities through our electronic and social media venues, as
well as submitting a press release to the Sun Sailor and dispersing the information through the
neighborhood associations. In addition to these efforts there will be a direct mailing to contractors
and targeted homeowners.
Please see the attached Energy Saver Rebate and spread the word.
City Receives Certificate for Bike Walk Week Participation
The city recently received the attached certificate recognizing the
17 participants in the May 2009 Bike Walk Week. The city had a
7% participation rate which placed us 10th in our category. It was
encouraging to see many of the participants continue cycling to
work throughout the summer months. Plans are underway next
year to grow our participation rate to 10%.
December 22, 2009
Yard Waste Plastic Bag Ban Begins January 1
Please note that beginning January 1, 2010, a state law requires residents of
Anoka, Carver, Hennepin (including City of St. Louis Park residents), Ramsey,
Scott, and Washington Counties who bag their yard waste or other compostable
waste to put their waste out for pick up in compostable bags – either paper bags
or compostable plastic bags. Residents of Dakota County are already required
to use compostable bags for yard waste. For more information, visit the City’s
website.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 268
ENVIRONMENTAL ITEMS
2010 City Manager’s Digest
January 11, 2010
Holiday Tree Composting
Christmas trees can be placed at curbs and alleys in St. Louis Park for pickup on regular residential
collection days between January 4 and 15 for composting. Residents with trees placed after the
January 15 deadline will incur a $15 charge. Wreaths and flocked trees are not compostable and
should be placed in garbage cart. Trees over 6 feet need to be cut into at least two pieces less than 6
feet each.
January 18, 2010
Electronic Sign Zoning Ordinance Amendment
The Planning Department spent the past several months researching
electronic signs with the intent of updating the zoning ordinance to
better address the new technology being utilized by them. Owners of
existing electronic signs were contacted for input, and nearly all of them
felt the proposed regulations were reasonable. Recently Daktronics, a
leading manufacturer of electronic signs, was invited to demonstrate the
capabilities of these signs. The demonstration was conducted at the
January 6th Planning Commission study session, and it showed:
How signs that are too bright become illegible because the letters blur together.
How the LEDs are directional, which means the signs are most bright when looked at
straight on. About half the brightness is lost when you view the sign at more than a 45
degree angle.
That effective messages contain 2-3 words, and remains visible for approximately three
seconds.
How signs today can come equipped with light sensors that automatically dim the sign
several times throughout the day to maintain a preset brightness level above the ambient
light levels. This prevents a sign from being overly or insufficiently bright at any time during
the day or as a result of weather conditions.
How special effects and flashing can be detrimental to the message and be a nuisance.
As a next step, the ordinance amendment will be scheduled for a Planning Commission public
hearing within the next couple months.
City Receives Emerald Ash Borer Community Preparedness Grant
The City of St. Louis Park recently received a grant from the Minnesota
Department of Agriculture in the amount of $89,800 for Emerald Ash
Borer (EAB) community preparedness. St. Louis Park was one of a
handful of recipients to receive this funding (out of 73 applicants). The
grant money will be used to reimburse the City for costs related to creating
and implementing Best Management Practices to prepare for and combat
EAB. Currently in Minnesota, EAB has been found only in St. Paul in the Midway area and the
University of Minnesota Campus (St. Paul). EAB is expected to be found in other areas of the metro
in 2010. St. Louis Park recently completed a boulevard ash tree inventory to gauge the condition,
size and total number of ash trees (primarily green ash trees) found on our City right-of-way. We
found 2,400 ash trees on the boulevards with an average size of 15 inches in diameter. There are at
least the same numbers if not more ash trees found on private properties throughout St. Louis Park.
EAB is expected to migrate throughout the Twin Cites metro area within the next 3-5 years,
potentially infecting (and killing) thousands of ash trees. Need additional information, contact
Environmental Coordinator Jim Vaughan by Email at jvaughan@stlouispark.org or phone at (952)
924.2699.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 269
January 25, 2010
Home Remodeling Fair Sunday, February 28
Mark your calendar for the 18th annual 2010 Home Remodeling Fair
Sunday, February 28th, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Eisenhower
Community Center, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins. Admission is free.
In addition to free seminars and demonstrations, you will be able to
obtain information from contractor exhibitors and receive free, no-
obligation advice from architects, landscape designers, interior designers and city inspectors. For
more information, visit www.homeremodelingfair.com.
March 29, 2010
Ash Tree Debris Quarantine Lifted
Waste Management has resolved the issue that resulted in required tagging and a separate collection
day of ash tree debris last year. All yard waste will now be collected on the same day and in a yard
waste container – no separate bagging and tagging will be required. Yard waste collection begins the
week of April 12. For additional information on refuse removal or the Emerald Ash Borer, visit the
City’s website.
April 5, 2010
City Continues Compostable Bag Education
In anticipation of the resumption of yard waste collection on April 12th, the
City is continuing its public education campaign about the new law affecting
compostable bags.
To date, the City has:
• Created a cable TV spot explaining the new rules and options that ran
in fall/winter and is now running again daily on our cable TV channels
and will continue to run throughout spring.
• Created Q & A section about the changes on website, including links to additional information
• Posted information to our social networking sites on several occasions and will continue to do
so and answer questions as they arise
• Continued to share the story about these changes to the local media
• Sent utility billing stuffers to residential properties about the new law and changes.
• Created educational flyer that is being distributed to residents who have not used the new bags
• Worked with Waste Management to develop and distribute an educational piece informing
residents why their yard waste was not collected which will begin after April 12th.
While we are working to get this information out in many different forms each day, we do anticipate
that there will be residents who remain unclear or uninformed about the rules.
You can help! If you get a call about the new regulations, please refer them to Public Works
staff at 952-924-2555.
April 12, 2010
Beautify the Park
The 2010 Beautify the Park effort is now underway which encourages neighborhoods and citizens to
get out and spruce up their yards and neighborhoods. Just a few Beautify the Park activities are
included on the attached flyer.
Residents are asked to pick up litter in their yards and in their neighborhoods to make the Park look
great. Throughout April and May, St. Louis Park will also have individuals, volunteer groups,
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 270
citizens, school groups and businesses involved in Beautifying the Park through the annual park and
open space clean-up(s), coordinated by Sarah Krzesowiak, the School/City Volunteer Coordinator.
City staff will also have several opportunities to assist in the beautification project which are posted
on the City’s Intranet.
Neighborhood Events & Beautify the Park
April 17th is a busy day in St. Louis Park. In addition to the Park & Recreation Board’s Creekside
Clean Up at the canoe landing, two neighborhoods are hosting their own events.
The Browndale Neighborhood is having an Earthday Celebration at Browndale Park from 10:00 am
– 12:00 pm April 17th, but neighbors can come at 9:00 and volunteers will be wood chipping and
clearing the trail around the pond, led by Ryan Bell, who is working on his Eagle Scout Project.
Minnehaha Neighborhood Association is hosting their Pick up the Park event from 3:00 – 5:00 on
the 17th. Residents will meet at Knollwood Green Park and help pick up trash from the park to 36th
Street and the North Cedar Lake Trail.
The Creekside Neighborhood Association will have their annual clean up day May 22nd from 9:00 –
11:00 am and they are extending the invitation to anyone in the city. Anyone interested in helping
clean up Minnehaha Creek is encouraged to meet at the Meadowbrook Golf Course gate on the
west end of Meadowbrook Blvd.
As a result of the “Meet the Mayor and Council Member Mavity Event” at the Park Glen
Apartments, Marney Olson received a call from a Park Glen resident interested in getting involved
in Beautify the Park. The resident is reaching out to the Friends of Bass Lake and the Minnikahda
Oaks Neighborhood to try to coordinate a clean up effort around Bass Lake.
See the attached Beautify the Park flyer for more details on community wide events.
Spring Clean-Up Day Slated for June 12
The Annual Spring Clean-Up Day Event will be held Saturday, June 12, 8
a.m. to 1 p.m., at St. Louis Park Junior High, 2025 Texas Ave. S., for St.
Louis Park residents only. Items such as furniture, tires, leftover remodeling
supplies, appliances, electronics and equipment (lawn mowers and snow
blowers drained of all fluids) can be brought to the event. A disposal fee will
be charged for all items. Tree debris, brush, yard waste, garbage, recyclables
and hazardous waste will not be accepted. The Clean-Up Day is sponsored by Waste Management
and St. Louis Park. This event is provided as a lower-cost alternative to having items picked up at
your home. Visit the City’s website or call 952.924.2555 for more information.
Target Adds Recycling to Mix in Celebration of Earth Day
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, Target Corporation
is installing permanent recycling stations in all of its 1,740 stores.
The program launched Monday, and shoppers are now able to drop off
traditionally recyclable items such as glass, plastic and aluminum, as well
as more tricky items like cell phones, MP3 players and ink cartridges.
Drop-off bins are in the front of each store, usually near the cart corrals.
April 19, 2010
Reminder - Annual Home Remodeling Tour – Sunday, May 2, 2010
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 271
Let’s hope for another sunny day for our annual home remodeling tour scheduled
for Sunday, May 2, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Residents are being invited and
informed through the Park Perspective, Cable TV, website, Sun Sailor and a direct
mailing piece to every owner occupied home.
Six homes will be featured in this self-guided tour that represents a variety of remodeling and
expansion projects. Again this year, the tour will feature a home remodeled to the MN GreenStar
certification standard; this home is located at 4207 Salem Ave. To further promote the City’s
environmental stewardship, residents will have an opportunity to take the MN Energy Challenge at
this home.
Staff from Community Development and Inspections along with Center for Energy and
Environment will act as co-hosts with the owners to welcome residents. Staff will provide
information related to city housing goals, improvement programs, zoning ordinances and building.
April 26, 2010
Earth Day and Arbor Day Open House and Concert
The Westwood Hills Nature Center is hosting the Earth Day and Arbor Day
celebration on Saturday, April 24 from 10:00 am to noon. Location organizations
will be teaching simple ways to make a big impact on our planet. As part of the
celebration, the city is sponsoring an Earth/Arbor Day Concert. KidPower will be
performing environmentally based, interactive fun songs that inspire people to help
the earth from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Minnehaha Creek Clean-up
Last Saturday, April 17th, we enjoyed a beautiful, sunny day with about 100 people that came out to
help our Parks and Recreation Commission members, along with Parks and Recreation Staff, pick
up litter, debris and other assorted items from Minnehaha Creek at our Knollwood Canoe Landing.
Commission members and Park staff lead teams, consisting of St. Louis Park residents, Benilde-St.
Margaret’s students, Cub Scout Troop 298, St. Louis Park Olive Garden staff and the St. Louis Park
Girls Lacrosse team pick-up along different areas of the creek. This culminated in a lot (too much)
of trash being collected. Unique items found included 2 full containers of beer, a sleeping bag, 2 pair
of jeans, and wooden African art.
May 3, 2010
Tree City USA
St. Louis Park recently received special recognition as a Tree City USA for the 30th
year. The Tree City USA® program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in
cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State
Foresters. They provide direction, technical assistance, public attention, and national
recognition for urban and community forestry programs in thousands of towns and
cities that more than 135 million Americans call home.
To qualify as a Tree City USA community, a town or city must meet four standards established by
The Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters:
1. A Tree Board or Department (our Park and Recreation Commission)
2. A Tree Care Ordinance
3. A Community Forestry Program With an Annual Budget of at Least $2 Per Capita
4. An Arbor Day Observance and Proclamation
Earth and Arbor Day 2010
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 272
The Earth Day and Arbor Day celebration was held this past
weekend at Westwood Hills Nature Center on a soggy Saturday.
Despite the weather we had over 125 people attend to enjoy and
celebrate nature! We had a planting demo given by St. Louis Park
resident and Certified Arborist volunteer, Manuel Jordan. He
demonstrated the correct way to plant a tree and then helped plant
over 50 trees near the apiary. We also had many families with
young children come and enjoy the environmental themed sounds
of Kidtime with Rachael. Mark Oestreich brought out the red-tailed hawk for a demonstration.
Author LeeAnn Landstrom, read from her book: Nature's Yucky: Gross Stuff That Helps
Nature Work and then autographed and gave away 100 copies of the book. The entire event was
filmed for cable TV – thanks Reg. The event will be shown on the City’s cable channel and the City
website in a couple of weeks.
May 24, 2010
2010 Spring Clean-Up Events
Annual Spring Clean-Up Day for St. Louis Park Residents Only - June 12, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at
St. Louis Park Junior High located at 2025 Texas Avenue South.
Items such as furniture, toys, remodeling supplies, equipment (lawn
mowers and snow blowers drained of all fluids) can be brought to the
event. Appliances and electronics can be brought for destruction and
recycling. Tires will be collected for shredding and reuse. NOTE- the
pricing structure has changed from last year. Visit the city’s website
www.stlouispark.org/events.htm#3993 for a complete price list.
Furniture and household items in good condition and bicycles in any condition will be accepted for
no charge. Not accepted are tree debris, brush, yard waste, garbage, recyclables and hazardous
waste. The Clean-Up Day is sponsored by Waste Management and St. Louis Park. This event is
provided as a lower-cost alternative to having items picked up at your home.
Household Hazardous Waste Drop off - June 10 to June 12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 7250
Hwy 7 (parking lot in southwest quadrant of TH 7 & Louisiana Ave). *NEW
LOCATION*
Hennepin County and St. Louis Park are sponsoring a community collection event for residents to
safely and properly dispose of unwanted garden and household hazardous wastes. The county will
accept many items including but not limited to: automotive wastes, batteries, electronics, pesticides,
paint, paint thinners, stains and mercury-containing items for example: fluorescent bulbs and
thermometers. Items are accepted for free from households only, business waste is not accepted.
Visit www.hennepin.us/collectionevents for a complete list of what is accepted.
Emerald Ash Borer Summit to be held June 8 at the Ramada Plaza Minneapolis
The focus of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Summit will be Management
Strategies for Community Leaders. The event is hosted in part by the City of St.
Louis Park. Environmental Coordinator Jim Vaughan has been assisting with the
planning and will be presenting at the summit. Since last year’s discovery of the
emerald ash borer (EAB) in St. Paul, there has been a tremendous amount of discussion about how
best to slow and deal with the invasive pest that will kill all of our native ash trees. In the coming
years our boulevards, commercial properties, parks, as well as our own backyards, will look
dramatically different. There will also be large financial challenges when dealing with the loss of our
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 273
ash trees. While there is no single solution to solving the EAB problem, a combination of
management tools can minimize the cost and impact on our urban forest.
Sidewalk Repair Pilot Project
Beginning Monday, May 24th, Public Works will begin a pilot project to repair sidewalk trip hazards.
A trip hazard is a fault at a joint or crack in the sidewalk where the concrete pavement has shifted up
or down creating a ¾ inch or greater bump. Trip hazards are typically caused by the ground settling
over the years or by tree roots growing under the sidewalk and lifting the pavement as the roots
grow larger.
Sidewalks are inspected annually and where faults are found, temporary asphalt patches are placed to
eliminate the trip hazard until permanent repairs can
be made. There are currently 1165 known trip faults
in the city that have temporary patches and the
number of patches appears to be increasing yearly.
Since about 2000, Public Works has budgeted and
spent $85,000 annually on the repair of sidewalk trip
hazards. Permanent repairs consist of hiring a
contractor to remove and replace the uneven
concrete sidewalk panels. Based on the current
annual budget of $85,000, we are only able to make
permanent repairs to approximately 150 trip faults
per year.
In an effort to decrease the backlog of sidewalk repairs,
Public Works will evaluate a new sidewalk trip fault repair
method recently developed and introduced in other areas of
the United States last year. The repair method consists of
saw cutting the sidewalk panel(s) horizontally (similar to
grinding) to eliminate the trip fault. The saw cut creates a
smooth beveled or ramped surface with no abrupt bump.
The work is accomplished by one person using a small
tractor with a concrete sawing apparatus attached to the
back.
Typical operations using the new repair method are as
follows: the cutting machine is positioned over the repair
area and then leveled to the sidewalk surface. Two passes of
the saw are made to cut and remove the bump creating a
smooth ramp. Any remaining uneven areas are smoothed
with a grinder. The concrete debris is picked up and
removed. Finally, the sidewalk area is cleaned with a
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Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 274
pressure washer. The total time to perform a trip hazard repair is about 10 to 15 minutes per
location. It is anticipated that contractor can make 400 repairs in the two week period. The cost for
the pilot project is $20,000.
The city’s contractor performing the sidewalk repairs
is Sidewalks Plus. The project is scheduled to start on
Monday, May 24th and will last approximately two
weeks. The contractor will first start working in the
central portion of the city in the Texas Tonka, Oak
Hill, Bronx Park and Birchwood neighborhoods.
Work will then shift to the south central portion of
the city in the Brookside, Elmwood and
Meadowbrook neighborhoods. Finally, work will
then move to the Fern Hill and Triangle
neighborhoods in the eastern park of the city.
For further information or questions about this project, please contact Jim Olson at 952-924-2552.
June 14, 2010
Annual Parktacular Celebration
Don’t miss this grand community event. Have a blast, bring the kids, listen to
great music, and eat delicious food at the year’s Parktacular. Enjoy water and
carnival games. Purchase food at Taste of St. Louis Park. The festival runs
from June 17 through June 20 and includes the senior dinner and coronation;
Grand Day Parade, Kids Fest, Promote Yourself trade show, and Kids Eco
Fair. New this year is the MN Humane Society Adoption Day on Saturday
June 19 from 2 pm- 6 pm. Saturday evening Park Tavern will sponsor the
Block Party on the Town Green which will feature music by Trailer Trash. Visit
www.parktacular.org for a full schedule of events. Most events are free with a button that can be
purchased for $5.
June 21, 2010
MCGARVEY COFFEE
In response to continuing complaints Inspection Department staff has been working
with McGarvey Coffee (a Sara Lee Co.) management to better control the facilities
roasting emissions/odors. Previously, a single Thermal oxidizer was used to
simultaneously treat the emissions from three coffee roasters. The unit would
occasionally become overloaded and difficult to calibrate, allowing strong coffee
odors to be emitted (especially on chocolate roast day). They have just completed
installation and are finishing testing of three new Thermal Oxidizers for the roasters. The individual
control and resulting improved treatment should dramatically reduce the odiferous emissions.
July 6, 2010
Farmers Market On The Plaza
The Farmers Market on the Plaza is set to open on Wednesday, July 7. The market will feature an
assortment of fresh products direct from the farmer/grower which are locally grown and produced,
fresh baked goods, and beautiful art pieces. "Farmers Market on the Plaza" is a member of
Minnesota Grown. The Market is located on the plaza adjacent to The Rec Center and Aquatic Park.
Wednesdays, July 7 to October 20, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Rec Center Plaza, 3700 Monterey Drive
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 275
July 26, 2010
ERF Grant For Site Restoration And Completion Of Environmental Testing
Hennepin County staff has approved our using the remaining balance of the ERF grant
for site restoration and completion of environmental testing. The grant amount of
$534k has about $90k remaining due to the low per ton bid price for transport/disposal
of soil we received. Replacing the driveway curb and pavement at Creekside Park (site
restoration) will use about $21k of the amount and Bob with AECOM has estimated upwards of
$60k for ground water exploration work and MPCA review time to close the MSC site file. The
grant annual report was done and mailed out last week.
August 2, 2010
Spring Clean-Up Day Event 2010
City Staff joined Waste Management (WM), the Vietnam
Veteran’s and Re-Cycle, Inc. for the 8th Annual Spring Clean-up
Day on June 12. The event was held at the Junior High and once
again was a great success, with residents taking advantage of the
opportunity to dispose of over 24 tons of unwanted items.
Further details are included in the attached summary.
August 9, 2010
Backyard Composting Workshops come to St. Louis Park
The City of St. Louis Park's Public Works Department is partnering with
Eureka Recycling to offer backyard composting workshops to our residents.
You can learn about the environmental benefits of composting in your
backyard and how you can easily reduce waste at home! This workshop has
tips for maintaining a healthy compost pile no matter what type of composter
you are. Composting food scraps, grass and leaves in your backyard is one of
the easiest things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint and save energy.
In addition you end up with a great soil supplement for the plants in your
yard. For only $5, the workshop will provide you with everything you need to
get started - including the option to purchase an Earth Machine compost bin
for the low price of $45. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited to 20
people at each workshop. To register call Eureka Recycling at (651)222-SORT
(7678).
Workshop #1 Workshop #2
Louisiana Oaks Pavilion Wolfe Park Pavilion
Saturday, August 28, 10-11:30 am Tuesday, October 5, 7-8:30 pm
Registration deadline August 26 Registration deadline October 1
August 16, 2010
Community Garden Parade
Texa-Tonka Community Garden, which is located in Texa-Tonka
Park (2750 Virginia Ave. S.), will be participating in the 5th annual
Parade of Community Gardens on Saturday, August 21, from 10 –
2pm. The Parade of Community Gardens is sponsored by Gardening Matters (a local non-profit
that provides training and resources to support community gardeners in achieving gardens that are
successful and sustainable) and showcases 66 community gardens throughout the Metro area. Texa-
Tonka Community Garden has been in existence for 5 years, with 20 plots available. These gardens
are so popular they sell out annually and have a waiting list every year! See the attached brochure for
complete details on this event.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 276
U of M Problem Solving Capstone Course - Autumn 2010
The City has been chosen to participate in a fall semester class with an environmental policy class of
the University of Minnesota College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resource Sciences to help
facilitate a sustainable St. Louis Park. This partnership will encompass 45 senior students who will
break into groups of 5-6 to work on natural resource aspects of the City’s choosing. Staff and
University professors recently met, discussed program options and tentatively agreed on the
following areas for the project focus:
• Natural resource master plan for Westwood
Hills Nature Center;
• Organic waste plan for the community
including high density housing, residential,
commercial;
• A recycling program for high density housing
(getting it going);
• Vegetation management, which would include a private property tree assessment, City-wide
alternative vegetation policy and management plan and invasive species management plan;
• Private storm water pond inventory, assessment and management plan.
Staff will meet with the students in early September to set-up the parameters of the project. The
project will culminate in a presentation, in early December, by students of all of their findings, plans
and proposals.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 277
ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES
St. Louis Park Neighborhoods
2008 – 2010
Neighborhood Environmental Activities
Aquila • Trail beautification and clean up
• Tree planting
Birchwood • Incorporating environmentally friendly products into
neighborhood event in 2010.
Blackstone • Water trees, plant flowers, etc., at Blackstone Park
Bronx Park • Community Garden
Brooklawns • Neighborhood Plant Sale
• Going Green – working on signing residents up to receive
updates by email to reduce printing
Brookside • Beautify Jackley Park
• Going Green – working on signing residents up to receive
newsletters by email to reduce printing
Browndale • Earth Day Event
• Plant Exchange (2010 was 13th annual)
Creekside • Neighborhood Plantings
• Buckthorn Bust Event (remove buckthorn)
• Creek Clean Up
Elmwood • Plant Swap
• Justad Park Planting
Lake Forest • Neighborhood garden maintenance and improvements
Minikahda Oaks • Working with Friends of Bass Lake on cleaning up and
preserving Bass Lake
Minikahda Vista • Plant Swap
• Going Green – Minikahda Vista signed up 600 residents to
receive their neighborhood newsletter via email instead of a
printed copy in 2010
• Incorporating green products into neighborhood events in 2010
Minnehaha • Pick up the Park
• Tree Planting
Oak Hill • Adopted Oak Hill Park
Sorensen • Added environmental component to neighborhood meeting.
Had an environmental speaker in 2009, distributed CFL light
bulbs in 2010.
South Oak Hill • Tree planting in 2010
Westwood Hills • Going Green – signing up residents to receive newsletter via
email instead of a printed copy.
Willow Park • Spring clean up 2010
* Events planned for 2008-2010 unless a year is specified.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 278
ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
St. Louis Park Volunteer Office
Ongoing Volunteers
The majority of volunteer hours for the environment are in ongoing weekly activities:
• Adopt a Park/Garden involves over 60 individuals, civic groups, families and neighborhood
groups who tend their local park and/or garden every week. Volunteer Coordinator manages
the program and volunteers.
• The Adopt-A-Street has 14 businesses, families or individuals that have adopted a street area.
Businesses involved include Park Nicollet, Galaxy Drive-in, Sam's Club, Minneapolis Jewish Day
School, Jimmy Films, M & T's Munchies and Kristy Klean. Program and volunteers are
managed by Volunteer Coordinator.
• Volunteers are placed at WW Nature Center for several ongoing programs: Monarch Butterfly
Monitors, Naturalist Assistants, Captive Animal Care, and Maintenance.
• Volunteers are placed with Jim Vaughan for bi-monthly water testing in three local lakes.
One Time Events and Short Programs
• Eco Fair and Fishing Events for Parktacular: Volunteer Coordinator recruits, screens and places
volunteers with Jim Vaughan for the environmental events he organizes at Parktacular
• Volunteer Coordinator recruits as requested for one time events. Jim Vaughan or the Nature
Center staff usually arrange these events.
Helping Groups and Individuals with Special Projects
Volunteer Coordinator was contacted by Aveda’s corporate office and a group from the SLP Jr.
High. Both groups were looking for an environmental volunteer project. They were connected with
Mark Oestreich. at WWNC. Each group will be doing a one day project at the Nature Center this
spring/summer. Should involve about 100 people altogether.
Volunteer Coordinator is usually contacted by 1-3 groups or individuals (like a boy working on an
Eagle Scout project) per year that are looking for a volunteer project related to the environment.
They are connected with appropriate departments depending on who has a current need and the
best project for the group.
Other Projects
Currently working with Scott Anderson on project to have Girl Scouts paint fire hydrants starting
this summer. If it works out well, it may become an ongoing Girl Scout project for the City.
Beautify the Park Update
Over 700 people participated. Volunteers have picked up 90% of the parks, trails and open areas as
well as several streets and neighborhoods, collecting over 110 bags of trash. Rick Beane received
information on all areas that required staff action based on reports from volunteers.
Each group or individual that volunteered received a thank you letter from the City Council.
In addition, 35 volunteers planted over 4,200 annuals in late May.
If you would like any more information, please contact Sarah Krzesowiak, Volunteer Coordinator,
City and Schools of St. Louis Park, 952-928-6025.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 279
VOLUNTEERS
IN THE PARK
2009-2010 AnnualReport
• Seven volunteers helped conduct an “8 Intelligences”
workshop for 4th graders at Cedar Manor. The volun-
teers received training and were assigned a station to
run. Students went to each station and participated in ac-
tivities designed to help them understand different ways
people are smart and recognize their own strengths.
• The Westwood Hills Nature Center Halloween Party
and the Recreation Center Goblin March and Boo-Gie
Concert couldn’t happen with out help from over 175
community volunteers who do everything from cleaning
and decorating the Nature Center to meeting and greet-
ing little guests and their families. They run games and
dress as costumed characters, dole out treats and serve
snacks!
• The Start the Day Reading program at Peter Hobart
added a fall session this year, with eight volunteers for
five weeks. They enjoyed seeing the students before
school and thought it was a great way to start the day!
• The Adopt–A-Street program was added to the Volun-
teer Office. New volunteer materials were written in-
cluding guidelines for volunteering in Adopt-A-Park. In
addition, two new businesses, Kristi Klean and M & Ts
Munchies joined the program this year.
• The Volunteer Off ice began working with the new “Read
180” programs at Susan Lindgren, Cedar Manor and
with ELL students at the Senior High. Volunteers helped
in the program by working with students in the inde-
pendent reading area. They gave support, helped with
worksheets, listened to students read and generally gave
encouragement. One of the high school volunteers is go-
ing into teaching and after working with the Read 180
ELL students, changed her major to ELL.
Working together to make St. Louis Park a better place to work, live and learn!
2009-2010 Highlights
• Thirty-one volunteers planted over 4,200 flowers in
gardens throughout the city. Volunteers are assigned a
plot and work on arrangements for getting the flowers
in mid-May; then they plant their assigned garden area.
They help make St. Louis Park beautiful!
• Breck and Aquila schools started a partnership. The Vol-
unteer Office facilitated training for nine Breck students
to help with reading at Aquila once a week. The program
was a win-win for students from both schools.
• Westwood Hills Nature Center staff got a lot done in
May when over 150 students from the SLP Jr. High, un-
der the direction of teacher Kayla Larson, did a service
project at the Center, logging in over 300 hours. Stu-
dents and their adult helpers did everything from gen-
eral cleaning to pulling buckthorn.
• The Volunteer Office worked with Scott Anderson to
develop written materials for a program involving Girl
Scout troops painting fire hydrants. Troops will start
painting hydrants this spring.
• Several city staff including Jim Vaughan, Scott Ander-
son, Officer Mike Pol litz and Mark Hanson gave 33
talks to over 1,200 students. New presentations include
a talk on Snow and Snow Plow Safety for 1st graders
and a talk on Invasive Species for a junior high math
unit on exponential growth. The other talks were tai-
lored to tie in with the new International Baccalaureate
curriculum.
• Pi Beta Phi Alumni Club members, as part of their on-
going commitment to reading at Aquila School, held a
consignment sale to benefit Aquila’s Media Center. They
raised over $400 for new books.
Total number of volunteers – 1,785*
Total number of volunteer hours – 16,928
*Some volunteers participate in more than one program and are counted for each activity.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 280
ADULT ELL & GED PROGRAMS
The goal of these dedicated volunteers is to
provide extra help for adult students who
are learning English or working on their
GED.
The Volunteer Office assists the program
with recruitment.
# of volunteers - 52
# of hours – 2156
ART APPRECIATION
Volunteers are trained to teach six lessons
in art appreciation to children in grades
K-6. Themes In Art was the focus of this
year’s curriculum. Note: at PSI the lessons
are taught by the Amity staff. We train
them and provide materials.
# of volunteers - 40
# of classrooms - 69
# of students - 1725
# of presentations - 414
# of hours – 1035
BAND VOLUNTEERS AT JR. HIGH
Community members join the band class
for regular practice.
# of volunteers -5
# of students – 150
# of hours –86
BRAVO!
Classical music is the focus of the BRAVO!
Program for grades 1-3 at Peter Hobart
.A music background is a requirement
for BRAVO! volunteers. They are trained
to teach six lessons that focus on classical
music and composers.
# of volunteers - 8
# of classrooms - 11
# of students - 275
# of presentations – 66
# of hours – 120
CLASSROOM VIPS
By working in the classroom these volun-
teers provide enrichment or reinforcement
of the classroom curriculum. Most volun-
teers are in the school once a week helping
students in the areas of reading, writing or
math.
# of volunteers - 78
# of students - 1144
# of classes - 44
# of hours – 3782
EARLY CHILDHOOD SCREENING
Volunteers assisted with registration and
screening
# of volunteers – 2
# of hours – 70
ELL (ENGLISH LANGUAGE
LEARNERS) VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers help students practice their
English verbal and written skills. They also
assist students in learning about American
culture and customs.
# of volunteers - 25
# of students - 45
# of hours – 614
Note* ELL volunteer numbers are in-
creased this year because volunteers were
placed with ELL students
In the Read 180 Program at the High
School.
EVENT JUDGES
Volunteers play a key role in several High
School programs including mock inter-
views, judges for DECA and also as judges
for the science fair at Cedar Manor and
Susan Lindgren..
# of volunteers - 85
# of hours - 237
KIDS PLACE STUDENT
VOLUNTEERS FOR SUMMER 2009
Students ages 14 and older volunteer in the
SLP Community Ed Kids Place Program
for the summer.
# of volunteers – 4
# of hours – 202
LITERACY 1ST
Volunteers are trained and receive infor-
mation specific to working with beginning
readers. They spend 1-1 1/2 hours in the
classroom during literacy time. This year,
volunteers also worked with students in a
before school reading program in addition
to reading with kids in the after school
Kid’s Place Program.
# of volunteers – 29
# of classrooms –18
# of students - 468
# of hours – 1000
VOLUNTEERS
IN THE PARK
VOLUNTEERS
IN OUR SCHOOLS
MEDIA CENTER/ CLERICAL
Volunteers assist in the schools media cen-
ters or offices .
# of volunteers – 9
# of hours – 359
MATH PROGRAM
Volunteers help once a week in math class-
es in grades 2-12.
# of volunteers – 24
# of classrooms - 19
# of students – 494
# of hours – 560.5
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
ADULT VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers helped in several different ca-
pacities at the High School including the
math test prep class, HAP, and general
classroom help.
# of volunteers – 16
# of hours - 703
HIGH SCHOOL MEDIA CENTER
INVENTORY
In January, volunteers helped the High
School Media Center staff by conducting
an inventory of over 18,000 items.
# of volunteers - 19
# of hour – 38
SCHOOL READING PROGRAMS
Start the Day Reading Program
DoubleTree Hotel and Jr. League at Peter
Hobart before school in October and April.
# of volunteers – 8
# of hours – 96
Pi Beta Phi Alumni Club and Collegians
Volunteered after school at Aquila in Feb.
# of volunteers – 21
# of hours – 74
Total hours = 174
READ 180
Volunteers assisted with the Read 180 Pro-
gram for grades 4-6 at both Susan Lind-
gren and Cedar Manor, targeting students
who are reading below grade level and
giveing them individually tailored help.
# of volunteers – 20
# of classrooms – 7
# of students – 147
# of hours - 839
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 281
ADOPT A PARK/GARDEN 2009
Volunteers are assigned to their neighbor-
hood park and/or garden. Their job duties
include patrolling and cleaning their park,
weeding and tending the garden as well as
reporting any damaged equipment, van-
dalism etc. to the park staff.
# of volunteers – 103 (37 individuals, 6
couples, 6 families, 6 neighborhood, busi-
ness or civic groups. Average of 4 per fam-
ily and 5 per group.)
# of parks and/or trail areas – 40
# of gardens –27 (note, some volunteers
only tend a garden or a park, but not both
– and some parks do not have gardens)
# of hours – 795
ADOPT-A-STREET 2009
Fourteen streets are available for adop-
tion by individuals, families or businesses.
Volunteers agree to pick up their adopted
street at least once a year, but many clean
more often.
# of Streets Adopted – 12
# of Volunteers involved in clean up – 106
# of hours -306
PICK UP THE PARK 2009
Volunteers are students, local service
groups, individuals and families. The goal
of Pick up the Park is to get as much public
space cleaned as possible before mid-May.
# of volunteers – 799
# of parks cleaned – 35 (also cleaned were
all the school playgrounds and surround-
ing areas, all bike trails and most of Min-
nehaha Creek and open areas.)
# of bags of trash – 130.
# of hours – 799
FAMILY FISHING DAY
Assisted the Park and Rec in recruiting
volunteers for the Family Fishing Day held
at Wolfe Park.
# of volunteers – 5
# of hours – 11
GARDEN PLANTING
There are 40 flowerbeds in 30 locations
in St. Louis Park. In May, volunteers work
with city staff to plant over 4000 flowers.
# of volunteers – 31
# of hours - 74
PARKTACULAR 2009
The Volunteer Office recruited and sched-
uled volunteers to work at these Parktacu-
lar events.
Parade = 27
Slip ‘n Slide = 8
Street Dance = 17
Info Booth = 12
Eco Fair = 9
# of volunteers – 78
# of hours – 170
GOBLIN MARCH & BOOGIE
CONCERT
Volunteers work at this Halloween event
held at the Rec Center which is geared for
young children.
# of volunteers – 37
# of hours – 83
NATURE CENTER
HALLOWEEN PARTY
Volunteers work before, during and after
the annual Halloween Party. They help
with set-up, work the nights of the party
and help with clean-up. The V.I.P. office
recruits, places, schedules and thanks the
party volunteers.
# of volunteers:
– 61 for pre-party set up help
– 75 per night for the party and many
stayed late for clean up.
Some volunteers help both nights but over
150 different people helped with the party
# of hours – 200 for set up help
– 624 for the party
824 total hours
WATER TESTING VOLUNTEERS
SUMMER, 2009
Volunteers take water samples from area
lakes every two weeks April through Oc-
tober.
# of volunteers – 3
# of hours – 144
MONARCH BUTTERFLY MONITORS
Volunteers were recruited to monitor the
life cycle of Monarchs through a program
at Westwood Nature Center.
# of volunteers – 3
# of hours – 18
NATURE CENTER
Adult volunteers at Westwood Hills Na-
ture Center assist the staff by helping with
classes, working on maintenance projects,
captive animal care, library maintenance,
and staffing the front desk between 11
a.m. and 1 p.m. almost every day so the
staff can have lunch and run errands for
the Center.
Front Desk 478
Animal/Raptor Care 355
Naturalist Aide 114
Wood Rounds 84
Bee Keeper 64
Library 3
Maintenance/other projects 264
# of volunteers - 36
# of hours - 1362
In addition a group of 5-6 volunteers with
disabilities from Opportunity Partners
helped for another 175 hours
RESOURCE SPEAKERS
Volunteers enriched the classroom cur-
riculum by sharing their hobby, career or
special interest with students. Many of the
talks are given by city staff including the
Fire, Police, Forestry and the Water De-
partments
# of volunteers – 16
# of presentations – 49
# of hours – 31
CITY / SCHOOL JOINT PROJECTS
VOLUNTEERS
IN THE PARK
VOLUNTEERS
IN OUR CITY
PROJECTS & ONE-TIME EVENTS
Volunteers also help at smaller special
events for the city and serve as mentors for
1 or 2 students a year, etc.
# of volunteers - 13
# of hours – 66
NATURE CENTER & SLP JR. HIGH
150 students from the SLP Jr. High did a
service project at the Westwood Hills Na-
ture Center in May. The total number of
volunteer hours for the project was over
300.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 282
V.I.P. Program Summary
The ability to coordinate between the city and the schools of St. Louis Park means that the Volunteer Office can place people who
enjoy working with children at both city and school events, find students to help with large city activities and place city staff as classroom
speakers who enrich the curriculum. Because the St. Louis Park city and school boundaries match, it is one of the few metro area com-
munities where this is possible. It creates a synergy that benefits both the city and the schools.
The Volunteer Office staff is dedicated to making sure that the volunteer positions it offers to the residents of St. Louis Park are
appropriate, meaningful and well organized and that the volunteers it recruits and places are given the information they need to be suc-
cessful at their volunteer positions.
In the City of St. Louis Park, volunteers help city staff expand what they can accomplish. The park programs keep the city cleaner
and the gardens tended; the Westwood Nature Center volunteers provide help in a range of areas including school hike assistants,
maintenance, and captive animal care. The special event volunteers make the Halloween Parties and Parktacular possible and many
volunteers provide help for other activities including the student election judges, Bookmark in the Park, etc.
In St. Louis Park Schools, non-parent volunteers are used to support and enrich the curriculum by providing skilled small group
and 1-1 help as directed by the teacher. They also serve as media center helpers, event judges, teacher clerical helpers, special assign-
ments and they play with the Jr. High Band.
For the over 400 ongoing volunteers in the city and schools, the Volunteer Office provides recruitment, screening (police back-
ground checks for all city volunteers as well as applications and reference checks on everyone), record keeping, placement, training and
information as needed, program updates and recognition. For the over 1000 volunteers who help with one time events including the
Halloween Parties, Science Fair and DECA Judges, Pick up the Park and Parktacular, the volunteer office recruits, runs police check on
adults helping at events for children, and places the volunteers. Each volunteer and/or group receives appropriate confirmation informa-
tion and instructions, and recognition in the form of a thank you letter or certificate of appreciation.
The dollar value for volunteer service for 2009-2010, as determined by the Independent Sector, is $20.85 per hour. This rate is
based on the hourly earnings for private non-agricultural workers as determined by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That figure is
then increased by 12% to estimate fringe benefits to reach the $20.85 per hour rate. The estimated value of volunteer services channeled
through the V.I.P. Office is $354,075 (1,785 volunteers with a total of 16,982 hours x $20.85). However, the value of volunteerism in
St. Louis Park goes far beyond any monetary assessment; the benefits of volunteer time and commitment to our community and our
schools is immeasurable. Via the V.I.P. Program, volunteers gain first hand knowledge about the city and schools, giving them an ap-
preciation for the dedicated staff and the excellent work they do on behalf of the students and the community.
2009-2010 V. I. P. Advisory Council
Susan Benus Debbie Danielson Kathleen Huyck , Program Assistant
Ruth Kasdan Joan Monicatti Sharyll Smith
Yvonne Thomas Sarah Zubke
Volunteer Coordinator
Sarah Krzesowiak
952-928-6025, krzesowiak.sarah@slpschool.org
VOLUNTEERS
IN THE PARK
The mission of the V.I.P. program is to promote
quality volunteerism in the City of St. Louis Park
and in the St. Louis Park School District.
Volunteers in the Park operates through a partnership between the
City of St. Louis Park and St. Louis Park Public Schools’
Community Education department.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 283
ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES
Other Items
St. Louis Park is Growing Green Supportive Brand Message
As part of the City’s marketing and branding initiative, this supportive brand message was developed
to shed light on the fact that the City may not be the greenest community, but that we’re making
every effort to become green with new development or redevelopment. The way we use this in our
marketing is not to directly say the words “St. Louis Park is growing green” but instead to promote
it through new programs that have been developed such as:
• Green remodeling.
• It’s Easy Being Green Campaign (used for the Home Remodeling Fair campaign in 2009).
• Promoting tips for greening your home through seminars and information (provided via the
Web or cable TV).
• Utilize the messaging in media interviews related to green topics.
Enhancing Electronic Communication
The City has made a concerted effort to move away from saturating residents with printed
information. City staff has transitioned to the City website as its core communications tool and done
the following things that require less paper resources:
• Launched a new, more comprehensive website in 2009.
• Developed two monthly e-newsletters (one for residents and one for businesses).
• Combined the Park & Rec Brochure & Park Perspective newsletter (eliminated three issues
of Park Perspective).
• Created a weekly newscast that is shared on cable and via social media sites.
• Began offering email updates to subscribers about City news, events, and updates.
• Began directing the use of postcards for mailing versus stuffed envelopes whenever possible.
Promoting Comprehensive List of Environmental Activities
Staff from each department worked together to come up with a comprehensive list of City activities
and events underway. We then grouped those all into one central location on the City’s website so
someone wanting a snapshot of how we’re working to improve and preserve our environment need
only to visit one page for a great snapshot. This page is maintained by two staff members, under
direction from the E-Group, more regularly than almost any other section on our website.
Promoting Parks
One of the best tools we have for promoting environmental stewardship is to model the stewardship
the City has shown to its park system. For that reason, we’ve promoted the parks by:
• Moving our monthly news magazine TV program “Inside the Park!” outside to visit our City
parks. Nearly all episodes are shot on location highlighting the variety and differences in City
parks and their amenities and programming.
• MyNeighborhood – This important web application is a resident portal that can be used to
find need-to-know information for residents about their elected representatives, polling
locations and property details. We designed this custom application in a way that it could
identify nearby parks for residents. We found that many people didn’t know about some of
the parks nearby.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 284
Added a Green Minute feature to “Park Update”
The Green Minute feature was added to this weekly newscast to offer tips to residents on ways to
live greener at home. The feature rotates every several weeks on the program that is broadcast on all
of the City’s television stations, distributed on the website and to the more than 2,000 following the
City on our social media sites.
Environmental Videos
Over the last three years, the Cable TV staff has produced numerous videos specifically dedicated to
the environment including landscaping workshops, programs focused on “greening” your home, an
St. Louis Park green home tour, plus many interviews with staff working on environmental projects
that have appeared on all of our cable TV programming.
Hybrid Vehicle Promotion
With the addition of several new hybrid vehicles to the City fleet, we created signs for those vehicles
so passersby would be able to recognize that the City is investing in this green technology.
Top Environmental Activities
In 2007, shortly after the completion of Vision Action Team’s work, the City created a Top
Environmental Activities in St. Louis Park brochure and messaging. The literature promoted:
1. Kids’ Eco Fair at Parktacular and year round environmental education.
2. Solar powered Wifi coming soon.
3. Decreased impervious surfaces City wide through high density housing development. Also
developing even more connected trail and walking systems to encourage greener modes of
transportation.
4. The Green Business Award Program.
5. The Green Team.
6. Energy efficient mechanicals in all City buildings. Reduce non-point source pollution in our
lakes and streams.
7. Recycling and Waste Reduction.
8. Planting more than 200 trees per year, native landscaping, shoreline restoration and rain
gardens.
9. Incandescent to compact fluorescents or other high-energy lighting systems in all City
buildings.
Green Business Buzz Newsletter
Created a newsletter aimed at businesses about ways to go green. This project was funded by a grant
in 2007 and we produced two issues that were mailed to all businesses in the community.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 285
Neighborhood Clean-Up Events
Help fellow Park residents clean up our neighborhoods!
Saturday, April 19 - Park and Recreation Commission: Creekside Park
Clean-Up from Louisiana to Meadowbrook Road, meet at 10:00 a.m.
at Isaac Walton Creekside Park (7341 Oxford St)
Saturday, April 26 - Browndale Neighborhood Clean-up
Saturday, April 26 - Creekside Neighborhood Clean-up
Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration
Celebrate the earth at Westwood!
• Get face to face with a live raptors
• Visit with local organizations to learn
ways to make a big impact on our planet
• Get a free seedling
• Plant trees or picking up litter
• Join interactive musical group
Kidtime with Rachel
• Enjoy refreshments (provided)
Saturday, April 26 • 10 a.m. to noon
Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave
St. Louis Park; (952) 924-2544
Sponsored by: Waste Management and the City of St. Louis Park
Parks & Recreation and Public Works Departments
Beautify the Park
Participate in the first-ever Beautify the Park initiative April 19-30. Take
some time to walk around your property, your alley, your neighborhood,
your community. Pick up litter, leaves and any other remnants of winter
and give your neighborhood a fresh start this spring. It’s amazing what a
few minutes can do and it’s a great way to show community pride.
Photo op! Once you’re done cleaning up, take a minute and let
us know what you and your neighbors and friends did to Beautify the
Park by way of photographs. Email photos with short descriptions of
what you did and where, to jzwilling@stlouispark.org and watch
www.stlouispark.org for a special feature highlighting your hard work.
Pick Up the Park
Join other local groups, businesses, families and individuals to clean
local parks and open areas. Volunteers are given a cleaning assignment,
instructions and garbage bag. Assigned areas can be cleaned anytime
before May 15 when your schedule and the weather permits!
Sign up now to Pick up the Park this spring by contacting Sarah
Krzesowiak at the City and School Volunteer Office at (952) 928-6025
or krzesowiak.sarah@slpschools.org.
Experience GREEN
LIVING in the Park.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 286
Help us Beautify the Park.
The E-Group is seeking employees to help Beautify the Park by
getting outside to enjoy some fresh air while we spruce up
Westwood Hills Nature Center.
Volunteers are needed:
Monday, April 27
12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
or 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
or
Thursday, April 30
from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
What employees get:
• An opportunity to work alongside employees from other departments
• A chance to become more familiar with Westwood Hills Nature Center
• A couple of hours away from their normal routine without taking flex time
(with supervisor approval)
• A chance to wear jeans!
• Granola bars and ice water provided by CITE
• And the opportunity to make a difference right here in the Park!
Projects will include: tree planting, parking lot island landscaping, raingarden landscaping, prairie restoration,
entrance sign landscaping, and litter pick-up and buckthorn removal. The “landscaping” includes raking,
weeding, planting/seeding and mulching and sign staining (only for entrance sign area) .
Don’t want to do physical labor, but still want to participate? Don’t worry, we’ll need volunteers
to assist with everything from giving assignments to photography and more!
Wear comfortable/durable clothes and bring gloves if you have a pair. Bring a refillable water bottle.
Westwood Nature Center has a long tradition of using seasonal volunteer work groups to enhance city staff
efforts. Providing staff the opportunity to volunteer is consistent with our vision that St. Louis Park be a leader
in environmental stewardship, as well as being a great way to spend some time outdoors!
To sign up for one of the work sessions, contact Carrie Haslerud at (952) 924-2544
or chaslerud@stlouispark.org no later than noon on Friday, April 20th.
The “E-Group”, which emerged from Vision, is the city’s internal
environmental workgroup made up of representatives from each
city department. For more info on the E-Group and upcoming
e-vents click here to go to The Beehive.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 287
INDEPENDENCE
MINNETONKA
ST LOUIS PARK
THURSDAY THROUGH
SATURDAY ON THE DATES
LISTED BELOW
2010
Spring
Community
Collection
Events
MAY 20-22 9 A.M. to 4 P.M.
Minnetonka Public Works
Parking lot
11522 Minnetonka Blvd.
Minnetonka, MN
Directions:
• I-494 to Minnetonka Blvd.
• East on Minnetonka Blvd. to site entrance
• Follow signs and stay in line
• Driver's license or other proof
of county residence required
for check-in
JUNE 10-12 9 A.M. to 4 P.M.
St.Louis Park Event
Parking lot in the southwest
quadrant of HWY 7 & Louisiana Ave. S.
7250 State HWY 7
St. Louis Park, MN
Directions:
• HWY 7 to Louisiana Ave. S.
• South on Louisiana Ave. to W. Lake St.
• West on W. Lake St. to site entrance
• Follow the signs
• Driver's license or other proof of county
residence required for check-in
APRIL 29-MAY 1 9 A.M. to 4 P.M.
City of Independence City Hall
Parking lot
1920 County Rd. 90
Independence, MN
• Directions – from the west:
- HWY 12 to County Rd. 90
- North on County Rd. 90 approximately
0.2 mile to the City Hall parking lot
• Directions – from the east:
(A section of HWY 12 will be closed for construction.)
-Take HWY 12 to County Rd. 6.
-Go east on County Rd. 6 to County Rd. 90.
-Go north on County Rd. 90 to the City Hall
parking lot.
• Follow signs and stay in line
• Driver's license or other proof of county
residence required for check-in
Household,lawn and garden products:
Adhesives
Aerosols
Batteries
Cleaners
Drain cleaner
Driveway sealer
Fire extinguishers
Flammable liquids
Gas cylinders (propane less than 40 lbs.;
specialty gases less than 59 lbs. will be evaluated;
some may not be accepted due to management restrictions)
Paint (limit three 5-gallon pails)
Paint thinners, solvents and strippers
Pesticides, insecticides and herbicides
Photographic and hobby chemicals
Poisons
Pool chemicals
Rechargeable tools
Stains
Wood preservatives
Mercury-containing items
Fluorescent bulbs and HID lamps (limit 25)
Thermostats
Thermometers
Electronics (limit 5 of each type)
TVs, VCRs, DVD players
Computers, printers
Cell phones and other mobile devices
Auto and fuel wastes
Diesel fuel
Fuel additives
Gasoline (containers will not be returned)
Kerosene
Starter fluid
Vehicle lead-acid batteries
Waxes
Motor oil is not accepted at collection events.It is
accepted at the county’s permanent drop-off facilities.
For more information, go to www.hennepin.us/dropoffs.
For additional recycling options, visit Earth911.com.
Materialsaccepted
Notaccepted
Items are accepted from households only; business waste is not accepted.
*Accepted at the county’s permanent drop-off facilities. Fees may apply on certain items.
Appliances*
Asbestos
Explosives
Garbage
(food waste, furniture, carpet, lumber, empty paint cans, etc.)
Gas cylinders
(propane greater than 40 lbs.; gases requiring special
management and all gases greater than 59 lbs.)
Medical or infectious waste
Motor oil and filters*
(Additional motor oil recycling opportunities can be
found at Earth911.com.)
Photocopiers
Radioactive waste (i.e. smoke detectors)
Recyclables*
(scrap metal, paper, cardboard, cans and bottles, etc.)
Tires*
NNEEWW
LOCATION
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 288
Home use and disposal tips for
Household hazardous waste
• Use up products before purchasing new. • Store in original container and keep label intact.
• Purchase amounts that can be easily used up. • Store away from heat and flames.
• Read and follow label safety directions. • Store out of reach of children.
• Do not use pesticides that are more than 10 years old. • Store in dry place; prevent freezing.
• Never mix products together.
Handle at home
Before bringing items to the events, check the lists below to see if they can be handled safely at home.
*Never mix products containing bleach with those containing ammonia. A toxic gas can form!
Flush down your sink or toilet with lots of water,
but not in septic tank systems:
• toilet cleaner
• disinfectant
• disinfectant cleaner with bleach*
• cleaner with ammonia*
• liquid soaps and detergents
Dry completely, remove lids and place in the trash:
• small amount of latex paint
• latex caulk, glaze, spackle & adhesives
• empty containers
• putty, grout
• cosmetics
Hennepin County Drop-Off Facilities
Permanent, year-round disposal
for your household hazardous wastes.
For additional information on convenient sites in Bloomington and Brooklyn Park,
call Hennepin County Environmental Services at 612-348-3777.
Facility hours
Tues., Thurs., FrI. . . . . .10 A.M. - 6 P.M.
Wed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 A.M. - 8 P.M.
Sat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 A.M. - 5 P.M.
Sun., Mon. and holidays. . . . . . Closed
Facility locations
•Brooklyn park
8100 Jefferson Highway
•Bloomington
1400 W. 96th St.
Both facilities feature a Free Product Center.
Pick up good, usable household products for free!
• automotive products
• aerosol spray paints
• latex paints
• varnishes, oils, finishes
• and more!
The county does not guarantee
these products, and items
selected by residents are used
at their own risk.
Hennepin County
Environmental Services
612-348-3777
www.hennepin.us/collectionevents
Attention . . . . If you want help translating this information, call 612-348-3777.
Atención . . . . Si desea recibir asistencia gratuita para traducir esta información, llama 612-348-3777.
Ogow . . . . . . Haddii aad dooneyso in lagaa kaalmeeyo tarjamadda macluumaadkani oo laceg la’ aan wac 612-348-3777.
Ceeb toom . . Yog koj xav tau kev pab txhais cov xov no rau koj dawb, hu 612-348-3777.
TDD/TTY 612-596-6985
8 PRINTED ON PROCESSED-CHLORINE-FREE, 30% POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED PAPER WITH AGRI-INKS.
SPRING 2010
for households
www.hennepin.us
search: A to Z
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 289
Unwanted
Medicine
Collection
Event
7250 State Hwy. 7, St. Louis Park
Parking lot in the southwest quadrant of Hwy. 7 and Louisiana Ave.
(enter from Lake St. W.)
Medicines will be accepted in any form:
• ampoules
• aerosols
• blister packs
• capsules
• creams
• cylinders
• gels
• inhalers
• IV bags
• liquids
• patches
• pills
• powders
• sprays
• vials
Materials accepted:
Medicine from households
will be accepted, including:
• Prescription and over-the-counter medications
• Vitamins
• Supplements
• Pet medications
Materials not accepted:
• No needles or sharps.
• No medicines from businesses,
including healthcare facilities,
pharmacies, doctors’ offices
and veterinary clinics.
See other side for more details.
Unwanted
Medicine
Collection
Event
7250 State Hwy. 7, St. Louis Park
Parking lot in the southwest quadrant of Hwy. 7 and Louisiana Ave.
(enter from Lake St. W.)
Medicines will be accepted in any form:
• ampoules
• aerosols
• blister packs
• capsules
• creams
• cylinders
• gels
• inhalers
• IV bags
• liquids
• patches
• pills
• powders
• sprays
• vials
Materials accepted:
Medicine from households
will be accepted, including:
• Prescription and over-the-counter medications
• Vitamins
• Supplements
• Pet medications
Materials not accepted:
• No needles or sharps.
• No medicines from businesses,
including healthcare facilities,
pharmacies, doctors’ offices
and veterinary clinics.
See other side for more details.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 290
Event guidelines:
When you arrive at the event,
staff will assist and direct you.
• Follow the signs, stay in
your car and stay in line.
If turnout is high, you
may need to wait in line.
• Keep medications in their
original packaging so they can
be identified. If the medication
has been removed from the
original container, put it in a
clear plastic bag and write
the name and dosage of the
medicine on the bag if you
know it.
What is the problem with unwanted
and unused medicine?
Unwanted, unused medications in the home pose
safety and health threats. Storage of medicine can
lead to poisoning or abuse. Poisoning is the second
leading cause of accidental deaths in Minnesota, and
prescription drug abuse is a growing problem.
Disposal of unwanted medications also raises
environmental concerns. Medicines flushed down
the drain or disposed of in landfills can contaminate
bodies of water, harm wildlife and end up in drinking
water supplies.
For more information
For more information visit www.hennepin.us/medicine
or call Hennepin County Environmental Services
at 612-348-3777.
www.hennepin.us/medicine
PRINTED ON mINImum 30% POST-CONSumER RECYCLED PAPER. 08/10
Attention .........................If you want help translating this information,
call 612-348-3777
Atención ..........................Si desea recibir asistencia gratuita para traducir
esta información, llama 612-348-3777
Ogow ................................Haddii aad dooneyso in lagaa kaalmeeyo
tarjamadda macluumaadkani oo laceg la’ aan
wac 612-348-3777
Ceeb toom .....................Yog koj xav tau kev pab txhais cov xov no rau koj
dawb, hu 612-348-3777
TDD/TTY 612-596-6985
Event guidelines:
When you arrive at the event,
staff will assist and direct you.
• Follow the signs, stay in
your car and stay in line.
If turnout is high, you
may need to wait in line.
• Keep medications in their
original packaging so they can
be identified. If the medication
has been removed from the
original container, put it in a
clear plastic bag and write
the name and dosage of the
medicine on the bag if you
know it.
What is the problem with unwanted
and unused medicine?
Unwanted, unused medications in the home pose
safety and health threats. Storage of medicine can
lead to poisoning or abuse. Poisoning is the second
leading cause of accidental deaths in Minnesota, and
prescription drug abuse is a growing problem.
Disposal of unwanted medications also raises
environmental concerns. Medicines flushed down
the drain or disposed of in landfills can contaminate
bodies of water, harm wildlife and end up in drinking
water supplies.
For more information
For more information visit www.hennepin.us/medicine
or call Hennepin County Environmental Services
at 612-348-3777.
www.hennepin.us/medicine
PRINTED ON mINImum 30% POST-CONSumER RECYCLED PAPER. 08/10
Attention .........................If you want help translating this information,
call 612-348-3777
Atención ..........................Si desea recibir asistencia gratuita para traducir
esta información, llama 612-348-3777
Ogow ................................Haddii aad dooneyso in lagaa kaalmeeyo
tarjamadda macluumaadkani oo laceg la’ aan
wac 612-348-3777
Ceeb toom .....................Yog koj xav tau kev pab txhais cov xov no rau koj
dawb, hu 612-348-3777
TDD/TTY 612-596-6985
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 291
Backyard Composting Workshops come to St. Louis Park
The City of St. Louis Park's Public Works Department is partnering with Eureka
Recycling to offer backyard composting workshops to our residents.
Come learn about the environmental benefits of composting in your backyard and how
you can easily reduce waste at home! This workshop has tips for maintaining a healthy
compost pile no matter what type of composter you are. Composting food scraps,
grass and leaves in your backyard is one of the easiest things you can do to reduce
your carbon footprint and save energy. In addition you end up with a great soil
supplement for the plants in your yard. For only $5, the workshop will provide you
with everything you need to get started - including the option to purchase an Earth
Machine compost bin for the low price of $45.
2010 Composting Workshops
Workshop #1
Wolfe Park Pavilion
3700 Monterey Boulevard, St. Louis Park, MN
Tuesday, October 5, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
The deadline to register is October 1, 2010
Workshop #2
Wolfe Park Pavilion
3700 Monterey Boulevard, St. Louis Park, MN
Saturday, October 16, 10 am to 11:30 am
The deadline to register is October 14, 2010
Pre-registration is required. Space is limited to 20
people at each workshop.
To register call Eureka Recycling at (651) 222-SORT (7678).
For directions, call (952) 924-2540 or visit http://www.stlouispark.org/city_map
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 292
2010
SPRING CLEAN-UP DAY EVENT
SUMMARY
July 21, 2010
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 293
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Eighth Annual Spring Clean-up Day was held Saturday, June 12 at the Junior High
from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Waste Management (WM), the Vietnam Veteran's and Re-Cycle, Inc. participated in the
event. Total tonnage collected was 24.01 tons, compared to 24.43 tons collected last
spring. Waste Management collected nearly the same tonnage as last spring's event;
donations to the Vietnam Vets were down; and Re-Cycle collected 4 times more bikes
than last spring. The event attracted 224 vehicles, which was 93 fewer vehicles than
last spring’s event.
STAFF
Six city employees (Char Rohlik, Judy Ellingson, Shannon Hansen, Jason Bredenberg,
Matt Druley, and Scott Merkley) worked the event. Char, Judy, and Shannon verified
residency by checking driver's licenses, answered questions, and asked residents if
they had items to donate to the Vietnam Vets. Matt transported the sandbags and
barriers with the front end loader and helped Jason and Scott direct traffic.
Wanda Anderson, Christi Haugstad, and Lynn Fredericksen from Waste Management
also worked the event. Wanda and Christi determined what items residents were
dropping off and collected the fees, and Lynn supervised the haulers.
LOGISTICS
Jason coordinated the site layout. The portable restroom and the Vietnam Vets
donation truck were located near the southern entrance; and Waste Management
trucks, roll offs and Re-Cycle were located near the northern entrance. The event
began at 8:00 a.m. There were about 19 vehicles in line prior to 8:00 a.m. Traffic was
the lightest in the morning, then picked up in mid-morning, and remained steady
throughout the event.
Traffic cones directed vehicles to form 2 check-in lines. The cones were set out in a "Y"
shape this spring, as opposed to the parallel "II" shape last year. The Y configuration
worked out very well from a traffic management standpoint.
STATISTICS
The Vietnam Vets collected household goods totaling .08 ton in comparison to 0.75 ton
collected at last spring's event.
Re-Cycle collected 48 bikes (36 more than last spring) and were able to get 12 of the
bikes back on the road. The remaining bikes will see new life as parts for other bikes.
The rest of the metal will be scrapped and recycled. That is a savings of approximately
3,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions through of a reduced need to produce new
bicycles. The 12 bicycles kept about 360 pounds of waste out of landfills.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 294
Clean-up Day Event Summary July 21, 2010
Page 2
The following table summarizes the materials and quantities collected by Waste
Management.
Waste Management Collection Summary
Material Spring 2008 Spring 2009 Spring 2010
Appliances 169 appliances 72 appliances 96 appliances
Trash 13.14 tons 9.32 tons 10.47 tons
C&D 1 2.56 tons 3.57 tons 2.10 tons
Metal 2.1 tons 2.11 tons 2.52 tons
Electronics 32 electronics 1.2 tons 2 1.08 tons 3
Tires 40 tires 43 tires 38 tires
Vehicles 254 vehicles 317 vehicles 224 vehicles
1 C&D = construction & demolition. 2 Converted from 2,428 pounds
3 Converted from 2,150 pounds.
SURVEYS
No surveys were distributed this year.
ILLEGAL DUMPING
No illegal dumping occurred.
SIGNAGE
Entrance and Exit signs were posted at each entrance to the parking lot, along with
signs on Cedar Lake Road and Texas. Quebec was used for the entrance, and Texas
Avenue was used as the exit.
SUGGESTIONS
• Get the price and donation lists posted on the website at least 2 weeks prior to
event.
• Provide the County HHW Event staff with a flyer detailing the clean-up event so they
can hand out to residents. This only applies to the spring clean-up event.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 295
Special Efforts on this Year’s Parade Visit a community garden in Dakota County or Chaska and bring back a Valley Natural coupon to enter in a drawing for a $50 Co-op Gift Card. Visit multiple gardens and enter your name multiple times! Minnesota has over 300 community gardens with new gardens sprouting up each year! On Saturday, August 21st, 66 of these community gardens invite YOU to wander in, observe, learn about, and enjoy their community gardens. Community gardeners spend thousands of hours each season to grow food for their families, beau-tify their neighborhoods and provide a space for people to get to know one another. THANK YOU to all community gardeners for your dedication to community and to the land, and to the partici-pating gardens that make the Parade possible! Presents The 5th Annual Parade of Community Gardens Saturday, August 21stSaturday, August 21stSaturday, August 21stSaturday, August 21st 10:00am 10:00am 10:00am 10:00am ———— 2:00p 2:00p 2:00p 2:00pmmmm The Parade of Community Gardens is an open house celebration of community gar-dening in the Minnesota and an opportunity for people to learn more about community gardens from participating gardens for a day of food, community, and fun activities! Read on to find out about the multiple benefits of community gardens, this year’s parade festivities, and how to navigate your way to one or all 66 community gardens on Parade! Gardening Matters is dedicated to supporting strong, sustainable community gardens in MN by connect-ing gardens to each other and to their communities. We empower community gardeners to organize themselves by providing leadership training, hosting events, networking information and resources, and providing community gardeners opportunities to connect with and learn from each other. We believe that community gardens are sustainable when they: • have shared, inclusive leadership • are connected to and representative of the needs, assets, and talents of their communities • give gardeners and community members a voice in garden decision-making Hamline Midway St. Paul Bugs ‘n Bikes Tour Neighborhood community gardens are teaming up to encourage neighbors to explore the neighborhood on two wheels! Special emphasis will be made on educating parade goers about beekeeping, Emer-ald Ash Borer, and more! Look for the on the enclosed Parade directory. Northside Minneapolis Garden Passport Pick up a passport at the first Northside garden you visit: Participating North-side gardens will stamp your passport upon arrival and guide visitors through each garden's unique fea-tures. A Google map of the participating Northside gardens is available on the GM website, and gardens are denoted by on the enclosed Parade directory. For more info, call Gardening Matters at 612-821-2358 or email gardeningmatters@gmail.com Get Connected! www.gardeningmatters.org Online Garden Directory—search for gardens in your neighborhood on this Google-based map Virtual Library—check out the resources and information available to community gardeners about gardening, coordinating, research and public policy, and more! COMGAR—the community garden listserv. Tap into the knowledge of hundreds of Minnesota community gardeners. To Join, click on “Get Con-nected” off the homepage. Monthly Learning Networks—an opportunity for community gardeners to come together and share challenges, successes and ideas. Second Thursday of the month, see website for details. How to Start a Community Garden Workshop Learn the necessary steps for starting a community garden, get helpful templates and fact sheets, and develop a vision and skill set for establishing an inclusive, sustain-able garden. Third Thursday of the month, see website for details. Email and Biannual Newsletters—Stay up to date with what’s going on in the community gardening com-munity! Click on “Get Connected” off the homepage. All Parade events are free to the Public. Rain or shine, gardeners are looking forward to seeing you! If severe weather causes a community garden to cancel their Parade event, signs will be posted in and around the garden. Besides the individual events going on in gardens on the parade, a couple of neighborhoods have streamlined efforts to create neighborhood-wide events centered around their gardens: Thank you to our Parade sponsors! Visit any garden on the parade and receive a coupon for $2 off a sandwich at the Seward Deli—grab a snack after the parade! www.gardeningmatters.org 612-821-2358 Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 296
How do I find a garden to visit? Inside this brochure you’ll find re-gional maps, garden descriptions, and exact addresses of all the participating gardens on parade this year. Use this to hone in on a few gardens that pique your interest, plan your route, and grab a friend to come along for the ride! For easy identification of gardens on the day of the Parade, participating gardens will have bright orange signs with their Parade number placed near and at each garden site. For more detailed information on participating gardens, you can look them up on our Google-based Parade Directory Map — available off the Gardening Matters homepage. Green Routes to the Parade We know that community gardens play a crucial role in reducing our environmental impact and improving the health of our neighbors and neighborhoods. Why not go a step further and bike or walk to the community gardens you visit on the Parade to do your part? In collaboration with Bike Walk Twin Cities (BWTC), visit the Pa-rade section of the Gardening Mat-ters website for links to specially-created walking and biking routes for select self-guided tours to Twin Cities gardens on the parade. Make a day of it! Pack a picnic! Have fun! And wear your helmet! BWTC will also be sponsoring a Community Garden Photo Contest. Submit your photos of bik-ing or walking to gardens on the day of the parade for a chance to win an exciting bike/walk prize! Details about the photo contest and more info on biking and walking to the gardens on the BWTC and GM websites: www.bikewalktwincities.org www.gardeningmatters.org The “Dirt” on Community Gardens Our definition is simple: “A community garden is any space where plants are grown and maintained by the community to meet the needs of that community” What kind of community gardens are there? Community gardens are as diverse in style, organiza-tion, and appearance as the communities in which they are located. A successful community garden reflects the specific character, tastes, and needs of its neighborhood. Some community gardens have individual plots for gardeners, while in others the gardeners work com-munally in the entire space. The smallest gardens on the parade are maintained by just a few households while the largest are highly coordinated operations of 50 or even 100 gardeners! They grow flowers, food, native plants, or a combination. Some gardens focus on donation, while others center on education, therapy, food production, neighborhood beautification or community building. For the purpose of the parade, gardens are categorized as featuring Art in the Garden, Beautification (flowers and ornamental plants), Food Production, Native Plants, or Youth Engagement—some gardens feature all five! Where are community gardens located? Anywhere there is soil and sun, a community garden can blossom: vacant lots places of worship schools businesses parks railroad land multi-housing complexes senior centers and more! Who participates in community gardens? EVERYONE! Gardening is a common language — unifying people regardless of ability, ethnicity, age, background and education. Welcome! Benefits of Community Gardens Successful, sustainable community gardens bring many social, environmental, and health benefits to their communities. Community gardens: • Introduce neighbors to each other, nurturing relationships that build community across cultural, generational and socio-economic divides • Create a sense of pride and respect for the neighborhood that discourages crime and en-courages stewardship • Green our neighborhoods, making them more beautiful, environmentally friendly, healthy, and livable • Reduce our environmental impact by sequester-ing carbon, addressing water runoff issues, at-tracting pollinators, and creating a forum for peer to peer education on environmental topics • Provide access to fresh, healthy, and culturally-appropriate foods • Reduce household food budgets • Provide a venue for physical exercise and an outlet for stress, improving mental health and physical wellbeing • Increase local leadership, civic engagement and grassroots empowerment The best experts on community gardening are com-munity gardeners! Discover the ways in which com-munity gardens make our neighborhoods more liv-able. Learn of upcoming projects and ways that you can get involved with your local community garden! Learn more about the multiple benefits of community garden at www.gardeningmatters.org Gardening Matters promotes and preserves community gardening across the Twin Cities by connecting gardeners to each other and to the communities in which they reside. ...because Gardening Matters! Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 297
A = art in garden B = beautification F = food production N = native plants Y = youth engagement = Northside Garden Passport = Hamline Midway Bugs ‘n Bikes Tour 1. Greater Minnesota1. Greater Minnesota Rogers 1. Water Tower Community Garden 13971 Orchid Ave (and) 2. Triangle Park Community Garden Main St & Rouillard Ave behind Community Center Suburban gardens in their exciting first year! Enjoy garden tours, conversation and activities (FY) Chaska 3. Grow. Eat. Share. Garden Mustard Seed Landscaping & Garden Center 6055 Hwy 212. Take a tour & children share food from their garden harvest! (BFNY) Mankato 4. Community Gardens at Good Counsel 170 Good Counsel Dr Music, tours, & workshops; local foods potluck at noon (FNY) 2. North Minneapolis2. North Minneapolis 5. Common Ground Com-munity Garden 52nd & Newton N NEW raised beds, native plants, naturalized wooded areas (BFN) 6. Lind Community Garden 51st & Dupont Aves N. Our unique 60 raised bed garden will STUN you! Bring sunglasses! (BFY) 7. SACA Community Garden-Garden of Hope 40th & Jackson, (Columbia Heights) We are a garden because of the whole com-munity-show your support! (FY) 8. North End Community Garden 3031 Penn Ave N. Building community on the Northside (ABF) 9. Mulberry Junction 2301 California St NE Art of the Garden: outdoor sculp-ture & interactive projects (AF) 10. South Hawthorne Com-munity Garden 1123 6th St N Come enjoy a drink & some con-versation with our gardeners, & show your support (BF) 23. Augsburg Community Garden 20th Ave S between 6th & 7th St Tours, afternoon potluck for the gardeners, and more! (BFY) 24. Good JuJu Community Gar-den 2121 14th Ave S An empty lot for many years, bringing some energy back to the ‘hood! (BFY) 25. Peaceful Patch Community Garden 2444 11th Ave S. Snacks - rest - relax (BF) 26. Waite House Garden 2529 13th Ave S. Come check out what our youth have done this year! (FY) 27. E Phillips Community 17th Ave Garden 2428 17th Ave S. Walk thru, questions answered, bever-ages served, sit in the shade (BFY) 28. 12th & 13th Ave Block Club Garden 2727 12th Ave S Meet folks at one of the first community owned gardens in Minneapolis (ABFNY) 29. Artstop Garden 3205 Chicago Ave. Enjoy our plein air art, flowers, cold water & shade (AB) 30. Powderhorn East Community Garden 32nd St & 15th Ave S. Come talk with gardeners in their element. Refreshments & happy faces await (F) 31. 18th Ave Green 18th Ave & 33rd St. See the expanding garden, orchard and artful entryway! (BF) 32. Minnehaha Ave Community Garden 3128 Minnehaha Ave. Join us for food & fun in the garden (F) 33. Seward Montessori School Peace Garden 2309 28th Ave Educational garden: interactive and collaborative—a great place to bring your kids! (ABFNY) 34. Mustard Seed Community Garden 3620 E 26th St. Join us for samples from our garden! (FY) 35. Southside Star Community Garden 4100 Hiawatha Ave Visit us in our first harvest season! (F) 11. Urban Farming at 12th & Morgan N 1119 Morgan Ave N Music, fun, tour, recipes (F) 12. Redeemer Community Garden 336 Morgan Ave N & Glenwood Ave N. A variety of fun and educational activities for kids & adults! (ABFNY) 13. Streetwerks Youth Garden 1307 Glenwood Ave N Spoken word, poetry, jump rope (ABFY) 14. Accord Native Plant Com-munity Garden Corner of 15th & Como Ave SE. Walk a labyrinth, enjoy refreshments, celebrate neighborhood! (ABN) 3. South Minneapolis3. South Minneapolis 15. Texa Tonka Community Gar-den Across from Victoria Lake, 27th & Virginia (St. Louis Park) Grilling & tasting fresh vegetables from the gardens (BF) 16. Soo Line Community Garden 2845 Garfield Ave S Food, music & fun, all on the Greenway! (ABFN) 17. Pleasant Ave Community Garden 35th St & Pleasant Ave Snacks, gardening tips, recipe ideas and tips on composting (BF) 18. Greenwood Acres Victory Garden 3204 1st Ave S. Share & grow in vibrant community; fresh lemonade & veggies served (ABF) 19. Eat Street Community Gar-den 2416 1st Ave S Fun in the sun and, just maybe, a little art (BF) 20. St. Stephen's Whittier Com-munity Garden 2224 Clinton Ave S. Companion planting creates an artful edible landscape (ABFY) 21. Brian Coyle Community Gar-den 1515 Chicago Ave S. Artful activities for youth and adults (AY) 22. 5th St Community Garden Near 1819 S 5th St. Fat Chance Jug Band plays at 12:30 (BN) 66. (Late addition) 3437 Garden 3437 15th Ave. Recently planted and raring to go (BF) 4. St. Paul4. St. Paul 36. St. Anthony Park Community Gardens 2217 Robbins St A variety of gardening styles for food production in urban plots (FN) 37. St. Anthony Park Prairie Garden 2217 Robbins St. A tiny piece of unusable land used to honor our prairie heritage (N) 38. UMN Native American Medi-cine Gardens SE Corner of Larpenteur & Cleveland Ave (Falcon Heights) A Native Ameri-can history & perspective on sus-tainability (AFNY) 39. Cornercopia Student Organic Farm Dudley & Lindig Ave (Falcon Heights) Heirloom tomato & basil tasting, farm tours, new location! (F) 40. Celeste's Dream Community Garden 1884 Randolph Ave Heir-loom. Organic. Community. Beauty. Build the Movement with the Sisters of St. Joseph (BF) 41. Snelling Ave Planters Snelling Ave between Englewood and University Ave. Placemaking with mosaic planters, Snelling Ave Businesses, treats and activities (B) 42. SPROUT! Behind Hamline Church 1514 Englewood Ave. An edible oasis! See what these college kids are up to! (FNY) 43. Hamline Church - Maxine Smith Rain Garden Corner of Simpson & Minnehaha Ave.Visit our rain garden; eat some treats (BN) 44. Midway GreenSpirit Com-munity Garden SW Corner of Pierce Butler & Hamline Ave N New orchard & beehive (demo at 1:00) & visit with a master gardener! (BFN) 45. Horton Park Native Wildflower Gardens Hamline & Minnehaha Ave. Native gardens; EAB & trees; treats (N) 46. Hamline Thomas Community Garden Corner of Hamline & Thomas Ave. Smell the flowers and eat treats! (BN) 47. Eleanor Graham Commu-nity Garden 1335 Ashland Ave. Guest specialist on native plants, refreshments, composting, orchard (ABN) 48. Arts Us 1221 Marshall Ave. A community event hub and outdoor art exhibit at a garden run by and for youth! (ABFY) 49. Oxford Dayton Community Farm 1035 Dayton Ave Lemon-ade & homemade snacks; sq ft gardening in action (AFN) 50. Urban Farming Green-house Gardens at Greater Frogtown CDC 533 N Dale Music, food, fun, games, tours, rain garden, too (F) 51. Gateway Trail Community Garden 300 Arlington Ave E Wall of tomatoes, herb spiral, & cooking demo with Tracy! (ABF) 52. Phalen Poetry Park Phalen Regional Park, between Forest & Earl St on Ivy Ave. Poetry read-ing & music from 12:30- 2pm (A) 53. Green Pride Garden 1017 Greenbrier St. Garden tours, sidewalk chalk art & com-munity fun! (F) 54. Union Gospel Mission 435 University Ave E. Tours and light refreshments provided (B) 55. Community Design Center of MN-Swede Hollow Garden 721 E 7th St. Fresh veggies grown by St. Paul youth for sale, next to cafe! (BFY) 56. Rhythm of Peace 262 Bates Ave. Youth-led art, music and yoga (ABNY) 57. Skidmore Park Community Garden 4th St & Earl Ave Gardener-constructed & fully ac-cessible raised beds (B) 5. Dakota County5. Dakota County Burnsville 58. Highland Drive Community Garden Open Circle Church, 2400 Highland Dr. Eco-friendly tips & garden gifts! (FY) 59. IOC Community Garden 1512 Woodhill Rd. Live music, ethnic food samples, beautiful arbor, butterfly garden (BFY) 60. Nativity Outreach Garden 15601 Maple Island Rd. Feeding the needy & sick in the metro (F) Lakeville 61. TEFC Community Garden 10658 210th St W. 4.5 acres of food production with combined communal & individual garden plots & sprinkler system (F) Apple Valley 62. Garden Party On Elm Drive 224 Elm Dr Check out our "distributed community garden" starting with four families in the southern ‘burbs (F) Eagan 63. Garden To Table 3910 Rahn Rd. Music, grilled garden produce demonstration & taste testing, children's garden activities, Master Gardeners & Landscape Architect workshops (ABFY) 64. Advent Community Garden 3945 Lexington Ave S. See how we’re growing, giving and glorifying with our community during our inaugural gardening year (F) 65. Ss. Martha & Mary Episcopal Church 4180 Lexington Ave S See the results of our first year offering space at our church (F) Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 298
2010 Parade of Community Gardens 1. Greater Minnesota 2. North Minneapolis Thank you to cartographer Birgit Muehlenhaus for the creation of these maps! Plan your route using these maps and the garden descriptions listed below. Additional maps, routes, tips and promotions to consider for plan-ning your day are available in the Parade section under Events on the Gardening Matters website: www.gardeningmatters.org Also visit the Bike Walk Twin Cities website for suggested biking and walking routes: www.bikewalktwincities.org Don’t forget to bring your camera and snap a picture of you biking or walking to the gar-dens for your chance to win a prize courtesy of BWTC’s Photo Contest! 3. South Minneapolis 5. Dakota County 4. St. Paul Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 299
ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES
Other Items
From: Richard Harrison [mailto:rharrison@rhsdplanning.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 20, 2010 9:16 AM
To: 'Rick Harrison NI'
Subject: Great Article on the Human Desire for Green Space
Vitamin G (Green)
A must read: A recent article by Jim Vaughan on the benefits of green open space is now available
on NewGeography http://www.newgeography.com/content/001573-vitamin-g.
The Vitamin G article explains the core human desire for space. Prefurbia satisfies this desire by
creating more efficient neighborhoods than possible with conventional and Smart Growth designs.
The added space is then utilized in a selection of methods that deliver “Vitamin G” to residents at
all income levels.
______________________________________________________________________________
VITAMIN G
by Jim Vaughan
05/18/2010
I need a stronger dose of Vitamin G. No, not Riboflavin or Vitamin B2 as it is sometimes called,
but Vitamin G: the Green Space Vitamin! Everyday there seems to be more data confirming my
personal beliefs that being around, in and associated with green space promotes health, well-being
and an enhanced social safety network (reducing stress, anger, frustration and aggression) in all of us.
There is a strong, positive relationship found between the amount of green space in our living
environment and physical and mental health and longevity.
Researchers have been studying this issue for some time and have discovered that us, human beings,
are “phytotrophic”- we are attracted to environments that include trees, grass and other natural
elements.
Much like a vitamin that you eat, drink or rub on your skin, Vitamin G can be taken in many ways.
Research shows the benefit of nature broadens to varying avenues of exposure and beneficial
contact with nature need not involve getting one’s hands dirty. Gardening is beneficial, but so is
walking, jogging, biking or even canoeing through a natural setting.* Even non-nature focused
activities, such as reading or playing basketball, in a relatively green setting is more beneficial than
the same activities indoors or in a less green outdoor setting.* Even a simple window view has
measurable effects. Also like a vitamin, evidence suggests that contact with nature is needed in
frequent and regular doses.
“Vitamin G seems to be beneficial regardless of its physical form. Research shows that the benefits
of nature seem to extend to a tremendous variety of stimuli (e.g. large forests, small urban gardens,
prairies, nature preserves, vest-pocket parks, mountains, landscapes with water features, an aquarium
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 300
in an office, tree-lined city streets, shady back yards, and soccer fields).”* Seeing and being in any
form of green space benefits us, regardless of its shape, size and texture.
Unfortunately, many policy makers, at least up until now, view green space as a luxury good rather
than as a basic necessity, overlooking the important and beneficial effects of green space on our
health, well-being and safety. In fact, for those of us tied to our homes a bit more closely (elderly,
children, low income adults), defined green spaces are even more important to our health! “The tight
integration of natural elements into the urban fabric can now be thought of as preventative medicine
– a public health measure designed to reduce physical, social, and psychological breakdown in urban
dwellers.”
For many of us that don’t have the opportunity (and that green peace of mind derived from this) of
owning a cabin or destination green space, we need better policy, design and implementation to
happen within our communities, in order to maximize our exposure to Vitamin G. I know in St.
Louis Park, we try to incorporate many green items, for example we have a master sidewalk and trail
plan (some of it still needs to be implemented, but it is planned for) that provides opportunities to
experience green boulevards, parkways, wooded areas and other green features. We also provide
many parks, of varying size, easily experienced by most folks, since all are within a quarter mile of
any residence. But there is room for improvement in our attaining our recommended doses of our
citywide Vitamin G.
Vitamin G is a critically important vitamin. I hope Vitamin G becomes a daily staple of every
community and person’s diet…our health and welfare depends upon it!
Jim Vaughan is the Environmental Coordinator of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota. This blog originally
appeared in the St. Louis Park Sun-Sailor.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 301
ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES
Other Items
GreenStep Cities Demo & Carbon Baseline Assessment Update
On 5/4, we discussed measuring the “carbon footprint” for St. Louis Park, Edina, Falcon Heights
and Victoria at our monthly GreenStep meeting which Jim Vaughan and Kathy Larsen attended. At
this time, four cities are interested, Bloomington has not committed to participating, since Larry Lee
has been out of the office for over a month due to a serious car accident and has been unavailable to
work with the CM. Bloomington may or may not be participating.
Carbon Baseline Assessment Update:
1. There will be a meeting of the four cities and consultants Rick Carter (LHB) and Michael
Orange, before June 9, to discuss the timeline, agreement and fees.
a. Following the meeting SLP would either sign the agreement or not.
b. So far, no funding has been found to assist with our portion of the $9,200 cost, but
ULI continues to look.
2. St. Louis Park utility contacts for electric, natural gas and water data have been provided to
Rick Carter and Michael Orange, the pilot consultants.
3. Consultant Michael Orange is beginning to contact the railroads and utilities to determine
their timeline for making data available.
Note: When GS cities was on the PC study session, Dennis Morris stated he has a healthy respect
for Michael Orange, former Minneapolis Planner and his work in this area.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2)
Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 302
WESTWOOD HILLS NATURE CENTERYEARLY ATTENDANCE 2009JANFEBMARAPRILMAYJUNEJULYAUGSEPTOCTNOVDECSUBTOTALST. LOUIS PARK RESIDENTSGrade School Students - school2353942079191430037348352503216Preschool Students - schools0404010000020000110 Adult and Family Programs702151186720005786564381424Youth Programs/camps610000436467348044471322NYE/NVY Babies and Tots93025383500074621236321Wed Whirl/Tues Turts0366860710003233110311Birthday Parties43318853353905040623317491 Special Interest Groups01804845000517012145Meetings/Events200366335119341652955100566Off-site Programs11523110130885000000001074 8980NON-RESIDENTS Grade School Students - School1944833375775831441129755271116003950Preschool Students - Schools1247602582551765588145123001219 Adult and Family Programs172475949000744517054823Youth Programs/camps0500024822917600018676NVY/NYE Babies and Tots10161281200021183426157Wed Whirl/Tues Turts02832395000014440171Birthday Parties02042991488777832235310644 Special Interest Groups0342511510045604323000445Meeting/Events0000002325000048Off-Site Programs02800001602520000233 8366 Walk-In Visitors1943317248218901307151810726937187411589167 MONTHLY TOTALS713195016012771338732442735217221943641169940626513Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 2) Subject: Enviromental Activites Update 2008-2010 Page 303
Meeting Date: September 13, 2010
Agenda Item #: 3
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE: GreenStep Cities Update and Carbon Footprint Measurement.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This report was distributed to Council at the August 23, 2010 Study Session. Council requested
this topic be discussed along with the environmental update at the September 13, 2010 Study
Session.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Should the City move forward with membership in ICLEI thereby providing the opportunity and
tools necessary to advance the City’s environmental initiatives including measuring the communities
overall carbon footprint?
BACKGROUND:
The opportunity to have the community’s carbon footprint measured evolved from the City’s E-
group made up of City Staff. The E-group has also been the force behind the City’s participation in
the GreenStep City Pilot program. The development of the GreenStep Cities program began in
2008. City Manager Tom Harmening served on the Advisory Committee that developed the
framework for this effort. St. Louis Park was selected by the Urban Land Institute (ULI MN), and
Mn Pollution Control Agency as one of the Council of Mayors (RCM) cities to participate in the
pilot phase to help, along with four other cities, consultants; and, staff from the Mn Pollution
Control Agency and ULI MN, in crafting the GreenStep program. A focus of the Greenstep pilot
program focuses on best practices. The citywide E Group provided input regarding best practices to
be adopted by the City.
GreenStep Cities is an action-oriented voluntary program offering a cost-effective and simple
pathway for cities to implement sustainable best practices that focus on greenhouse gas reduction. It
includes best practices in the areas of: building and facilities, land use, transportation, environmental
management and community and economic development. The Green Step pilot cities each chose
the best practices they wanted to focus on; however they recognized that finding ways to measure
results was an important element of any effort to reduce green house gases and our carbon footprint.
The GreenStep pilot cities have worked with the LHB consulting team to jointly find a way to
calculate the carbon footprint for each of the cities involved. The goal is for all five pilot cities to
measure their carbon footprints and share information with one another. Falcon Heights and Edina
have already begun efforts to measure their carbon footprints. The other two pilot cities, Victoria
and Bloomington, are not ready to more forward at this time.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 3) Page 2
Subject: GreenStep Cities Update and Carbon Footprint Measurement
Reason for Measuring the Community’s Carbon Footprint.
The first step in being more energy efficient and reducing our carbon footprint is knowing what our
carbon footprint is today. Measuring our community’s carbon footprint creates a baseline from
which efforts to reduce the carbon footprint can be measured. It provides a method to evaluate our
efforts and make comparisons with other communities and their programs. Measuring our carbon
footprint will:
• Deepen the understanding of opportunities to save energy and money, mitigate climate
change, and manage risk in the face of future GHG emission regulations and oil insecurity.
• Assist in promoting public understanding of the cities’ effects on climate change and
increasing awareness of activities that can reduce carbon footprints.
• Inform subsequent analyses, plans, and policy decisions by the cities and others.
A necessary component of gathering and analyzing the data is an inventory-related software tool to
manage the complex variety of uses. Rather than invest in costly software, the proposed approach is
to access ICLEI software. The software makes it possible to comprehensively measure all forms of
energy use in the community and converts energy uses like heating (BTUs), Kilowatt hours, solid
waste tonnage and vehicle miles traveled to understandable and comparable units. ICLEI’s
proprietary software can only be accessed for cities that are members of ICLEI. If the City proceeds,
staff will hire LHB consulting to use the ICLEI software to calculate our carbon footprint and put in
place the procedures so that we can largely do future measurements ourselves.
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability Membership.
ICLEI is an international association of local, national and regional government organizations who
have made a commitment to sustainable development. They provide technical consulting, training,
and information services to build capacity, share knowledge, and support local government in the
implementation of sustainable development at the local level. Their basic premise is that locally
designed initiatives can provide an effective and cost-efficient way to achieve local, national, and
global sustainability objectives.
ICLEI was founded in 1990 as the 'International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives'. The
Council was established when more than 200 local governments from 43 countries convened at an
inaugural conference, the World Congress of Local Governments for a Sustainable Future, at the
United Nations in New York. They have over 1200 cities, towns, counties, and their associations as
members today.
As a non-profit association, ICLEI receives financial support for its operations and its programs from
a membership fees and project funders.
To join ICLEI the city needs to adopt a resolution stating we will join as members and pledge to
take a leadership role in promoting public awareness of the causes and impacts of climate change.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 3) Page 3
Subject: GreenStep Cities Update and Carbon Footprint Measurement
The resolution also says we will undertake what ICLEI calls the “five milestones” to work to reduce
greenhouse gases and air pollution. The five milestones are essentially basic steps you would use to
implement any change. It is a performance-based approach that incorporates these five steps:
1. Establish a Baseline
2. Set a Target
3. Develop a Local Action Plan
4. Implement the Local Action Plan,
5. Measure Results
The draft resolution is attached to this report.
The City’s E Group has reviewed the merits of joining ICLEI and staff recommends the city join
ICLEI and move forward with the measurement of its carbon foot print. The cost of membership is
$600 per year. Membership can be reviewed after the first year to determine if continued
membership is appropriate. Other nearby cities that are ICLEI members includes both Golden
Valley and Edina.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
The cost of membership in ICLEI is $600. The cost of LHB conducting a carbon “footprint”
assessment for the City is $7,000. GreenStep Cities and Urban Land Institute are pursuing assistance
to help the cities of Edina, Falcon Heights, Victoria and St. Louis Park with funding the assessment.
In the event that funding does not become available the maximum cost to the city would be $7,000
for the assessment and $600 for membership. The Housing Rehab Fund’s Green Remodeling
Pilot’s unspent budgeted funds would be the funding source.
VISION CONSIDERATION: City of St. Louis Park through Vision St. Louis Park is committed
to being a leader in environmental stewardship. The City of St. Louis Park strives to increase
environmental consciousness and responsibility in all areas of city business. Participation in ICLEI
and the carbon baseline assessment will be valuable tools to assist the City in demonstrating and
promoting its environmental stewardship.
Attachments: Draft Resolution to Join ICLEI
City Council Staff Report October 2009
Pilot within Pilot – Carbon Footprint Study
Prepared by: Jim Vaughan, E Group Chair and Environmental Coordinator
Kathy Larsen, E Group Vice-Chair and Housing Programs Coordinator
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 3) Page 4
Subject: GreenStep Cities Update and Carbon Footprint Measurement
RESOLUTION NO. 10-_____
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING UNDERTAKING
ICLEI’S FIVE MILESTONES TO REDUCE ENERGY USE,
GREENHOUSE GAS AND AIR POLLUTION EMMISSIONS IN THE CITY
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, as
follows:
WHEREAS, the City of St. Louis Park through Vision St. Louis Park is committed to being
a leader in environmental stewardship. The City of St. Louis Park strives to increase environmental
consciousness and responsibility in all areas of city business.
WHEREAS, local government actions taken to reduce consumption of energy and natural
resources and increase energy efficiency, provide multiple local benefits by decreasing air pollution,
reducing energy expenditures, and saving money for the local government, its businesses, and its
residents; and
WHEREAS, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is a membership association of
local governments committed to advancing sustainable development and conserving resources for
our future and the future of generations;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota
will join ICLEI as a Full Member and pledges to take a leadership role in promoting public
awareness about the causes and impacts of climate change.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City will undertake ICLEI’s five milestones to
reduce energy use, greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions throughout the community, and
specifically:
• Conduct an carbon footprint inventory of government operations and the community as
a whole to determine of the energy, water, refrigerant, solid waste, and transit use
resources being used in the jurisdiction,
• Establish a greenhouse gas emissions target reflective of the energy and resources used,
• Develop an action plan with both existing and future actions, which when implemented
will reduce energy, water, refrigerant, solid waste and fuel to meet the target,
• Implement the action plan, and
• Monitor and report progress.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 3) Page 5
Subject: GreenStep Cities Update and Carbon Footprint Measurement
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the City of St. Louis Park requests assistance from
ICLEI as it progresses through these milestones.
Reviewed for Administration Adopted by the City Council
City Manager Mayor
Attest:
City Clerk
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 3) Page 6
Subject: GreenStep Cities Update and Carbon Footprint Measurement
Meeting Date: October 12, 2009
Agenda Item #: 6
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
MN GreenStep Cities Demonstration Project.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
No action is required. This report is for informational purposes.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
The purpose of this update is informational and no policy considerations are required at this time.
BACKGROUND:
GreenStep Cities is a response to the increasing desire of many cities to implement energy efficiency
and sustainable best practices. However, aside from Minneapolis and St. Paul, most Minnesota
cities do not have the technical resources to develop a comprehensive set of actions that would help
them meet this laudable goal. Through the MN Pollution Control Agency and numerous partners
including the League of Minnesota Cities and the Urban Land Institute, the GreenStep Cites
program was developed.
GreenStep Cities is an action-oriented voluntary program offering a cost-effective and simple
pathway for cities to implement sustainable best practices that focus on greenhouse gas reduction.
GreenStep Cities includes the identification of best practices in the areas of: building and facilities,
land use, transportation, environmental management and community and economic development.
Development of the GreenStep Cities program began in 2008 and Tom Harmening served on the
Advisory Committee that developed the framework for this effort. The Urban Land Institute (ULI
MN) is now working with the Regional Council of Mayors (RCM) cities to implement the pilot
phase. City staff has submitted a letter of interest for consideration as a pilot demonstration city (see
attachment).
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
Participation as a demonstration GreenStep City does not entail any financial reimbursement nor
will it require city funds. Minimal staff time will be required to attend monthly meetings from
October 2009 through June 2010.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 3) Page 7
Subject: GreenStep Cities Update and Carbon Footprint Measurement
VISION CONSIDERATION:
One of the City Councils adopted Strategic Directions states that “St. Louis Park is committed to
being a leader in environmental stewardship and that we will increase environmental consciousness
and responsibility in all areas of city business”. Participation in the GreenStep Cities demonstration
project is consistent with our vision and will be the next step in finding “a simple pathway leading to
implementation of sustainable best practices….”
NEXT STEPS:
The Urban Land Institute plans to make their selection of five cities for participation in the
demonstration project by October 9, 2009. Council will be kept apprised of the selection outcome.
Attachments: GreenStep Cities Demonstration Project
GreenStep Cities Letter of Interest
Prepared by: Kathy Larsen, Housing Programs Coordinator
Reviewed by: Kevin Locke, Community Development Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
250 Third Avenue North, Ste 450
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
612-338-2029
Fax 612 338-2088
www.LHBcorp.com
April 1, 2010
Revised April 20, 2010
PILOT WITHIN A PILOT – GREENSTEP CITIES PROJECT
MEASURING ACTUAL CONSUMPTION
OVERVIEW
The GreenStep Cities program has begun and the leaders of five prominent Minnesota
cities have stepped up to serve as Pilot Cities for the program —Edina, Bloomington,
Saint Louis Park, Falcon Heights, and Victoria. These cities and their leaders have a
reputation for environmental progressivity and a strong desire to continue to improve. An
important next step is to measure actual performance and this is exactly where the Pilot
within a Pilot GreenStep Cities Project (Project) steps up too.
Goals of the Project: The goals of the Project are threefold:
The five Pilot Cities will estimate the energy value and greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions associated with citywide energy consumption by people who live, work,
learn, travel, and play within each city’s geographical boundaries. The analysis
will cover two prior years (2008 and 2009) and then continue measuring for at
least two years going forward (2010 and 2011).
Analysis of the experiences of the five Pilot Cities will determine the feasibility of
collecting this data for all GreenStep cities.
The data must be transparent and able to be replicated, updated, and compared
with other similar baseline assessments.
Reasons for the Project: There are several reasons to go to this next level of
participation. Most current environmental initiatives fall under the categories of adopting
good intentions (plans and guidelines), predicting outcomes (modeling), and
implementing strategies (best practices). The Project will involve measuring actual
citywide outcomes. This will benefit the Pilot Cities because the resulting analyses will:
Deepen the understanding of opportunities to save energy and money, mitigate
climate change, and manage risk in the face of future GHG emission regulations
and oil insecurity.
Assist in promoting public understanding of the cities’ effects on climate change
and increasing awareness of activities that can reduce carbon footprints.
Inform subsequent analyses, plans, and policy decisions by the cities and others.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 3)
Subject: GreenStep Cities Update and Carbon Footprint Measurement Page 8
Pilot within a Pilot – GreenStep Cities Project
Page 2
April 1, 2010
Serve as a model for other GreenStep cities.
The Project will require measurement of electricity, natural gas, and water consumption
and the associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This is not as easy as it may seem
since the metrics, the infrastructure, and all of the support systems were designed to
collect revenue for the providers, not to measure cumulative usage. It will take the full
cooperation of local and private utilities, as well as the cities and their staffs to assist the
consultant team. The analysis should also include the GHG emissions associated with
transportation (including vehicles, rail, and each city’s proportional share of airport-
related emissions), solid waste management, and stormwater management. These metrics
are even more difficult and will require cooperation of the state Department of
Transportation, the Metropolitan Council, the Metropolitan Airports Commission, the
railroads, and the various waste managers serving the cities.
SCOPE OF WORK
Participating cities will need to pay a fee to cover the cost of the consultant team. This fee
will cover the following:
Establish the feasibility of this approach.
Collect the last two years of data for benchmarking.
Establish a process for collecting data for the next two years.
Evaluate the specific best management practices (BMP) selected by each city and
correlate them to the outcomes being measured.
Produce a final report that measures each metric individually (i.e. kBTUs, gallons,
vehicle miles traveled, etc.) as well as in total dollars and tons of carbon. The
report will include data on a per-capita basis as well.
If a city elects, the consultant team can assist with the collection and analysis of the
energy and GHG emissions associated with city buildings and operations for an additional
fee.
PROJECT TEAM
LHB, Inc., working with J. Michael Orange Environmental Consulting, will conduct the
work. Michael is a former city planner for the City of Minneapolis who has conducted
similar studies for the cities of Minneapolis and Falcon Heights. LHB, Inc. is the state’s
leading firm in sustainable design and energy efficiency. Each city will need to designate
a primary staff contact to help with data collection.
FEE
The fee for this work will vary by city. We propose a fixed fee that will be paid to ULI.
LHB will have an agreement with ULI and each city will have an agreement with ULI. In
order to produce results that meet the third goal listed above (transparent and able to be
replicated, updated, and compared with other similar baseline assessments), it’s important
to use the internationally accepted measurement protocol. The organization that has
produced this measurement tool, in collaboration with a wide variety of other
international organizations including The Climate Institute, is the International Council on
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 3)
Subject: GreenStep Cities Update and Carbon Footprint Measurement Page 9
Pilot within a Pilot – GreenStep Cities Project
Page 3
April 1, 2010
Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI). ICLEI makes the tool available (along with
many other services) free of charge to its member cities. For each city ICLEI1 costs will
range from $600 to $1,200.
The chart below indicates each City’s cost (fee to ULI), consultant’s match and total cost
or value of the project.
City’s
Cost
Consultant
Team Match
Total
Cost
Falcon Heights $1,800 $600 $2,400
Victoria $5,400 $1,800 $7,200
Edina $7,000 $2,500 $9,500
St. Louis Park $7,000 $2,500 $9,500
Bloomington $8,000 $3,000 $11,000
SCHEDULE
We estimate the data collection phase for each city to take approximately 4-6 weeks. This
schedule may vary, based upon the number of cities who elect to participate and the
ability of the utilities to provide data in a timely manner. We are prepared to being this
process on May 1, 2010. Please contact Caren Dewar at ULI with a notice to proceed no
later than that date. An initial payment (50% of the total) will be due to ULI by June 1,
2010 and the final payment will be due at the time of the report, no later than October 1,
2010. Contact Rick Carter with any questions.
It is important to note that this is very unique and different than what most cities in the
country have done in terms of ―carbon footprinting‖ to date. Rather than just collecting
data for the city’s own impact (i.e. city buildings, fleets, etc.), this study intends to
measure the actual impact of most carbon producing activities within the city’s
boundaries.
LHB
RICK CARTER, AIA, LEED AP
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT.
c: LHB File No. 100169.PD; F102
M:\10Proj\100169\100 Financial\102 Agreements\100169AG040110 Greenstep Cities REVISED 042010.Doc
1 The fee for the City of Falcon Heights is to complete the City’s c urrent assessment to be comparable to
those to be developed for the other Pilot Cities. The City of Edina is already a member of ICLEI. For U.S.
cities, ICLEI membership is based on city population.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 3)
Subject: GreenStep Cities Update and Carbon Footprint Measurement Page 10
Meeting Date: September 13, 2010
Agenda Item #: 4
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Storage - Fire Station No. 1
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
No formal action is required. This report provides background information on storage space needs
of the City and two options for addressing this need as part of constructing Fire Station #1.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Should additional storage space be built at Station #1?
BACKGROUND:
While the fire station program is designed to accommodate the Fire Departments needs for the next
20 years, these buildings will service the community for much longer than 20 years. Building in
flexible space for City storage, future Fire Department needs, or even interim uses deserves
consideration.
At the August 9, 2010 Study Session City Council discussed the possibility of adding storage space
for City records and election equipment in the new Fire Station No. 1. The option of adding a
partial basement to Fire Station No. 1 to meet existing City storage space needs was presented.
Other options for meeting City storage needs were still being considered and explored.
A group of staff from different departments met to consider record retention, options for electronic
storage, and location of retained paper files. The increased use of software applications that create
the file electronically is helping reduce the amount of paper generation. Fortunately, records growth
is very slow due to the regular destruction of old files at the end of the retention period. However,
paper files and the related storage space will be needed for the foreseeable future.
The City’s current storage space needs include:
• Election Equipment: 1,000 and 1,500 square feet is needed for elections equipment, depending
on the layout, for elections equipment. The equipment includes the voting machines, which
require secure and conditioned space. Also, there are voting booths that do not need to be in a
conditioned space. Ideally, the equipment storage will be located near a training room. St.
Louis Park has elections at least annually, and has at least annual training sessions for elections
judges and on how to use the equipment, elections procedures, etc.
• Records Storage: 1,000 square feet of additional space is needed for City records storage. The
records storage in City Hall is at capacity and records are currently stored in the residential
properties being demolished for expansion of Station #1. There are some records that are
accessed less frequently and could be stored at a location other than City Hall.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 4) Page 2
Subject: Storage – Fire Station No. 1
The Municipal Service Center addition included potential office expansion space that will be used as
storage for the foreseeable future. This is climate controlled, clean and secure space that is
appropriate for elections equipment storage and record storage related to Public Works functions
operating from the facility. It is large enough to house the election equipment and provide
workspace for the clerk/judges, and it is located next to a training room.
There are not suitable spaces available in current City facilities for all of the City’s records storage
needs. In the short term, the City will be leasing climate controlled storage space for the next two
years to accommodate the records that will be moved out of the houses by Fire Station No. 1. The
annual cost to lease that storage space is currently $16,800.
OPTIONS TO DISCUSS:
From a long term point of view including additional storage space in Fire Station No. 1 seems to be
appropriate. It would provide the City additional control, security, and flexibility for the facility.
Adding space into the building design would be less expensive than remodeling, building additions,
or building a stand alone facility for storage. Leasing space is an option, but that money could be
put toward construction of a City owned facility instead and depending on the option selected could
have a relatively quick payback.
Two options have been developed to incorporate general storage space into Fire Station No.1:
1. Build partial basement in Fire Station No. 1
3,000 square feet
$407,150 ($135.72/sq. ft.)
2. Build space on the second floor of Fire Station No. 1 over apparatus bays #1 & #2
1,127 square feet
$112,720 ($100/sq. ft.)
Option 1 provides more space than needed for records storage at this time and provides more long-
term flexibility. The major cost for this option is extending two stairwells and the elevator into the
space. The Fire Department has shown interest in using approximately 1,000 square feet of the
basement for “rough” training space (not meeting room space), if only as an interim use. Currently,
the Fire Department rents space for this type of training outside the city at a cost of approximately
$5,000 per year including overtime. There may be similar training advantages for the Police
Department.
Option 2 is a relatively inexpensive space and would meet the City’s identified records storage needs.
In order to add this space and maintain the apparatus bay heights needed for the equipment, the first
floor height must be two feet taller than previously estimated. Also, there would likely be support
columns added in the apparatus area, which is a Fire Department concern because they are
unwanted obstructions. Compared to leasing space, it appears Option 2 would be a cost effective
solution and with a payback in about seven years.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 4) Page 3
Subject: Storage – Fire Station No. 1
NEXT STEPS:
• Storage space will be added or excluded from the plans as the project proceeds through the
design development phase based on the direction from City Council.
• The third Community Meeting for the fire stations design will be Thursday, September 16,
2010 (see attached notice).
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
If the project scope is expanded to include the basement storage space the schematic design cost
estimate would total $15,799,027 for both fire stations. Moving forward with storage option #2 or
excluding storage at Station 1 would result in the estimated project cost to be lowered accordingly.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
Engaging the community in the design process, minimizing negative impacts of the stations on
surrounding residents, designing energy efficient buildings that meet or exceed the City’s green
building policy, and building an aesthetically pleasing building relate to all four Vision St. Louis
Park Strategic directions.
Attachment: Fire Stations Community Meeting Notice
Prepared by: Sean Walther, Senior Planner
Reviewed by: Luke Stemmer, Fire Chief
Brian Hoffman, Inspections Director
Kevin Locke, Community Development Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manger
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 4) Page 4
Subject: Storage – Fire Station No. 1
PUBLIC MEETING INVITATION
FIRE STATIONS REPLACEMENT PROJECT
Date: Thursday, September 16, 2010
Location: The Rec Center Banquet Room
3700 Monterey Drive
Agenda: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Review Station #2 (2262 Louisiana Ave)
7:05 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. Review Station #1 (3752 Wooddale Ave)
The City of St. Louis Park invites your input on preliminary plans for two fire stations. There will be plans,
models and images showing the proposed building, driveway and parking lot locations, and the building
appearance for both stations. For more information, you may visit http://www.stlouispark.org/fire-stations-
project.html or contact project coordinator Sean Walther at (952) 924-2574 or swalther@stlouispark.org.
Meeting Date: September 13, 2010
Agenda Item #: 5
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
As directed by the Council this agenda item is intended to allow continued discussion on the
proposed amendments to the City’s charitable gambling codes. Staff desires direction from the
Council as to how to proceed with the proposed ordinance.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
• Does the Council want to increase the local gambling tax to 1.25% to cover administrative
expenses the City experiences relating to charitable gambling as drafted in the proposed
ordinance?
• Does Council want to require charitable gambling organizations to contribute to a 10%
Contribution Fund with an exemption for those organizations who expend 100% of their
lawful purpose expenditures within the City of St. Louis Park as drafted in the proposed
ordinance?
• Does the Council want to add another exemption to the required contribution to the 10%
Contribution Fund where lawful gambling activity occurs on premises owned and operated by
a nonprofit corporation?
• Does the Council have any other changes or need additional information?
BACKGROUND:
On September 7, the Council held a public hearing on the First Reading – Gambling Ordinance
amendments. Members of the American Legion in St. Louis Park were present and spoke to the
Council. A request was made by the American Legion to either have further study and discussion on
the proposed ordinance as it relates to the American Legion, or to add an exemption to the 10%
contribution requirement for those situations where lawful gambling occurs on premises owned by a
nonprofit corporation. Members of the American Legion also provided information for the Council
on donations the American Legion has made for St. Louis Park based needs. The information is
attached to this report.
Council discussed this item and a motion was made to bring this back to a study session as soon as
possible for continued discussion.
Summary of Council discussion and process on this item prior to public hearing:
Study Session discussions were held on this topic on April 12 and June 28 and an open house
meeting was held April 28 with charitable gambling managers. At these meetings, discussion took
place regarding lawful charitable gambling regulations, gambling authority, gambling proceed
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5) Page 2
Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments
expenditures, and gambling operations in St. Louis Park. Concerns and questions were raised by
Council members regarding charitable gambling and whether proceed expenditures are benefiting St.
Louis Park, and what legal authority the city has over lawful gambling requirements.
At the June 28 Study Session the City Council directed staff to analyze the expense involved in
administering charitable gambling activities and make recommendations regarding local gambling
tax adjustments to fully cover these expenses; and to prepare an ordinance amendment to require a
10% contribution to the City (as allowed by law) from charitable gambling organizations with an
exemption for those who contribute a designated percentage of their proceeds to eligible St. Louis
Park entities.
At the August 9 Study Session a written report was submitted to Council for review of the draft
ordinance amendments as proposed by staff and the city attorney.
Based upon the direction provided by the City Council, Staff and the City Attorney prepared the
following ordinance amendments (see attached draft ordinance):
Section 15-8 includes new language to require gambling organizations to contribute to a Fund
administered and regulated by the City, for distribution by the city for lawful purposes authorized
under Minnesota Statute in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the organization's net profits
derived from lawful gambling. The proposed ordinance states that organizations that expend 100%
of their lawful purposes expenditures within the City of St. Louis Park are exempt from making the
10% contribution. Additional language was added to clarify organizations with more than one site
to report their distribution of gambling proceeds from each site separately.
Section 15-9 will increase the local gambling tax to 0.0125 percent (one and one quarter percent)
from 0.0010 percent (one tenth of one percent) to cover administrative expenses of the City of St.
Louis Park.
ANALYSIS:
10% City Contribution Fund
State law allows cities to require licensed organizations to contribute up to 10% per year of net
profits (gross profits minus all expenses and any local and state taxes) from local lawful gambling to a
city administered fund to be spent only for charitable contributions allowed by state law.
As noted earlier, it is proposed that an exemption to the 10% contribution be provided to those
organizations that provide 100% of the lawful purpose expenditures in St. Louis Park. As noted
below in the section titled “City Attorney Legal Opinion on 10% Contribution”, an exemption
could be provided for those organizations that expend all or a high percentage of their net profits on
activities in St. Louis Park. Staff is suggesting 100% to insure as little question as possible regarding
an exemption provision and also to provide for the ease of administration in determining whether an
exemption is applicable for a charitable gambling operator in the city.
There are a number of allowable purposes for the 10% Contribution Fund for Council to consider.
An estimate Staff prepared based on 2009 actual data shows that as much as $35,000-$40,000 could
potentially be contributed to the fund each year. However, based on the exemption percentage
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5) Page 3
Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments
proposed, the exemption could substantially reduce this amount. Based on the proposed exemption
and past gambling donation history, it is estimated the City would receive less than $20,000 per year
via the 10% contribution requirement. Attached to this report is a projection of the 10%
Contribution Fund calculations with the proposed exemption included.
Cities who establish a 10% Contribution Fund must file a report each year on or before March 15th
with the State Gambling Control Board to report the amount received and a detail listing of how the
funds were disbursed. A reasonable fund balance can be carried forward to the following year.
All disbursements from the 10% Contribution Fund must meet one of the following criteria:
A1 To 501(c)(3) organization or 501(c)(4) festival organization
A2 Relieving effects of poverty, homelessness, or disability
A3 Program for education, prevention, or treatment of problem gambling
A4 Public or private nonprofit school
A5 Scholarship fund
A6 Military service recognition (open to public) or support of active military
A7 Activities and facilities for youth
A10 Expenditures for police, fire, and other emergency or public safety-related services,
equipment, and training (not allowed- pension or retirement funds)
A11 Church
A13 With DNR approval, wildlife management projects/activities that benefit public-at-
large such as trails
A14 Nutritional programs, food shelves, and congregate dining programs primarily for
persons 62 and older or disabled
A15 Community arts organizations, or sponsorship of community arts program
A19 Humanitarian service – recognizing volunteerism or philanthropy
City Attorney Legal Opinion on 10% contribution
The statute states that the city may have an “ordinance requirement that such organizations must
contribute ten percent per year of their net profits." While not specifically addressed by the statute,
it is the opinion of the city attorney that an exemption for organizations that expend all or a high
percentage of their net profits on activities conducted in St Louis Park would probably not run afoul
of the statute or otherwise be illegal. There is the potential for the exemption to be successfully
challenged in court. However, given what is believed to be a good legal argument that the
exemption is permitted, the nature of the exemption and the amounts of money involved, it seems
like the risks to the city are minimal.
Gambling Reporting
Gambling organizations in St. Louis Park submit a monthly reporting form showing distributions of
proceeds and local tax due. Organizations are allowed to accumulate funds and are not required to
distribute proceeds on a monthly basis. Because many months there are no distributions made, staff
is proposing the 10% contribution be reported and submitted annually by January 31 of the
following year. Staff will present to council in March of each year the amount available for allowable
allocations.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5) Page 4
Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments
Local Gambling Tax
Under State Statute, Minnesota Cities may impose a local gambling tax of up to 3% on licensed
organizations. The tax is calculated on the gross profits (gross receipts less prizes paid out), and the
tax can be imposed only to the extent necessary to cover costs incurred by the City to regulate
gambling activities.
At present, the City is collecting a local tax of one tenth of 1% (.001). For the first six months of
2010, this equated to $546.23. Based on past experience and staff’s analysis, the City can justify
annual costs of approximately $10,000 to $12,000 for the administration of charitable gambling.
Therefore, staff recommends to Council that the local gambling tax rate should be increased to
1.25% (.0125) in order to cover these administrative costs.
Lawful Purpose Expenditures
State Statute gives cities the authority to specify the percentage of lawful purpose expenditures to be
spent in their trade area. St. Louis Park City Code Section 15-8 requires each organization
conducting lawful gambling within the city to expend 90 percent of its lawful purpose expenditures
within the “trade area” of St. Louis Park which includes Minneapolis, Edina, Hopkins, Minnetonka,
Plymouth and Golden Valley. The city does not have authority on what specific lawful purpose
expenditures must be made. That authority rests with the organization and its membership.
Lawful purpose expenditure amounts include all taxes, fees, and charitable lawful purposes
contributions. Expenditures are determined from net profit after all prizes and allowable expenses
including payroll, rent, advertising, product, and office supplies are accounted for.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
Projections from the Finance Division calculations indicate revenue of approximately $12,000 per
year if the city required a 10% contribution fund and the proposed exemption (not including the
exemption proposed by the American Legion), plus revenue from the local gambling tax of
approximately $10,000 to $12,000 a year to defray administrative expenses.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
Not Applicable.
Attachments: 10% Contribution Fund Projection with Proposed Exemption (not
including exemption for non-profit premises owners)
Draft of Ordinance from September 7, 2010 Council Meeting
American Legion/Community Charities Donations Report St. Louis Park Sites
Study Session Agenda Report April 12, 2010
Study Session Agenda Report June 28, 2010
Prepared by: Nancy Deno Gohman, Deputy City Manager/HR Director
Assisted by: Nancy Stroth, City Clerk
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5) Page 5
Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments
10% Contribution Fund Projection
City of St. Louis Park Gambling Organizations
Gambling Activity from January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009
Organization/Site
1Contrib Fund
(up to 10% of Net
Profit)
2Exemption
Yes or No Charitable Donations
Community Charities
American Legion Post 282 $8,644 No
STEP, Friends of the Arts, MN Amer Legion Foundation, VA Medical
Ctr, MN Veterans Home, MN 4H, Muscular Dystrophy Assoc, Special
Olympics, Legionville Patrol Camp
Park Tavern $6,776 Yes Parktacular, SLP Comm Foundation
Texa Tonka Lanes $1,236 Yes SLP Youth Bowling (trophies, banquets)
Hopkins Raspberry Assoc.
Al's Bar (thru Jul 2009)$2,300 No Hopkins Raspberry, Parktacular, Educational Scholarship Bonds
Laredo's (Feb 2009 thru Dec 2009)$1,499 No Hopkins Raspberry, Parktacular, Educational Scholarship Bonds
SLP Hockey Boosters Assoc.
Bunny's $16,754 Yes SLP Hockey
Total Amount before Exemption $37,210
Estimated amount of 10%
Contribution Fund with Exemption $12,444
Notes:
2. The Exemption was determined based on donations reported over the past year.
1. The 10% Contribution Fund amounts are estimates based on 2009 actual data. Local Gambling Tax of 1.25% proposed in the ordinance has
been deducted from net profits for purposes of this calculation.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5) Page 6
Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments
ORDINANCE NO. _____-10
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 15 OF THE
ST. LOUIS PARK CODE OF ORDINANCES
CONCERNING GAMBLING
THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK DOES ORDAIN:
SECTION 1. Section 15-8 of the City Code is hereby amended to provide as follows:
Sec. 15-8. Distribution of Proceeds
(a) Each organization licensed to conduct gambling within the city shall contribute to a fund
administered and regulated by the City, for distribution by the city for lawful purposes authorized
under Minnesota Statute an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the organization's net profits
derived from each individual site at which lawful gambling is conducted within the city. For
purposes of this section, net profits are profits less amounts expended for allowable expenses.
Organizations that expend 100 percent of their lawful purpose expenditures within the city of St.
Louis Park are exempt from making the 10 percent contribution to the city.
(b) Each organization conducting lawful gambling within the city must expend 90 percent of its
lawful purpose expenditures on lawful purposes conducted or located within the trade area. The
contribution required in subsection (a) above shall be considered as part of the 90 percent
expenditure. This section applies only to lawful purpose expenditures of gross profits derived from
lawful gambling conducted on a premises within the city. At the end of each organization's fiscal
year, each organization must file with the city a report prepared by an independent certified public
accountant documenting compliance with the requirements of this section. In addition, each
organization must submit monthly to the city a completed Schedule C/D-LG1010.
SECTION 2. Section 15-9 of the City Code is hereby amended to provide as follows:
Sec. 15-9. Local tax.
Any organization authorized to conduct lawful gambling shall pay to the city on a monthly basis a
local gambling tax in the amount of 0.0010 percent (one tenth of one percent) 0.0125 percent (one
and one quarter percent) of the gross receipts of a licensed organization from all lawful gambling less
prizes actually paid out by the organization. Payment shall be made no later than 25 days after the
end of the preceding month and shall be accompanied by a copy of the monthly return filed with the
Minnesota Department of Revenue.
SECTION 3. This ordinance shall be deemed adopted and take effect fifteen days after its
publication.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5) Page 7
Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments
Public Hearing First Reading September 7, 2010
Second Reading September 20, 2010
Summary Ordinance Published September 30, 2010
Ordinance takes effect October 15, 2010
Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the City Council September 20, 2010
City Manager Mayor
Attest: Approved as to form and execution:
City Clerk City Attorney
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5) Page 8
Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments
SUMMARY
ORDINANCE NO. ___-10
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 15 OF THE
ST. LOUIS PARK CODE OF ORDINANCES
CONCERNING GAMBLING
This ordinance amends the gambling licensing provisions for the City of St. Louis Park regarding
local gambling tax and distribution of proceeds. This ordinance shall take effect 15 days after
publication.
Adopted by the City Council September 20, 2010
Jeffrey W. Jacobs /s/
Mayor
A copy of the full text of this ordinance is available for inspection with the City Clerk.
Published in St. Louis Park Sailor: September 30, 2010
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments Page 9
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments Page 10
Meeting Date: April 12, 2010
Agenda Item #: 3
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Lawful Charitable Gambling.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The purpose of this report is to provide information for Council discussion on lawful charitable
gambling including past history, gambling regulations, gambling authority, and the status of current
gambling organizations including gambling expenditures in St. Louis Park.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
• To what extent does the City have ability to limit where gambling proceeds are spent?
• To what extent can the City encourage these groups to spend their proceeds in St. Louis Park?
• Does the Council feel there is a need for additional gambling requirements and/or restrictions
(within state law limitations) to the existing city gambling ordinance?
BACKGROUND:
As a result of a charitable gambling premises permit application being considered by the City
Council at its March 15, 2010 meeting, concerns and questions were raised by council members
regarding charitable gambling, whether proceed expenditures are benefiting St. Louis Park, and what
legal authority the city has over lawful gambling operations. At that meeting, a premises permit
application for Minneapolis NE Lions Club to conduct gambling at Texa-Tonka Lanes, 8200
Minnetonka Boulevard, was presented for Council consideration. Consideration of the application
was continued until April 19 to allow for the Council to discuss the matter at its April 12 study
session. Community Charities held the premises permit at Texa-Tonka Lanes and their lease
agreement was to expire on March 31, 2010. Given the fact the consideration of the application was
continued by the Council into April, Texa-Tonka Lanes owner Jeff Kristal has chosen to renew the
lease agreement with Community Charities in order to continue lawful gambling at his
establishment without interruption. This means there will be no need for Council consideration of
the previous application from Minneapolis NE Lions Club for Texa-Tonka Lanes.
Lawful Gambling Basics
Lawful gambling can benefit cities by providing entertainment for citizens, helps out local
businesses, and raises revenues to support worthy purposes. Minnesota cities do not license lawful
gambling; the State of Minnesota is the licensing authority. Only qualified organizations may
conduct lawful gambling who are registered nonprofit corporations in Minnesota or designated as
exempt from the payment of income taxes by the IRS, and who must be in operation at least three
years with at least 15 members.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments Page 11
April 12, 2010 Council Report
Premises Permits for gambling are connected to the address of the premise location. The owner of a
premises has authority whether to lease their space or renew a lease to an existing gambling
organization.
Organizations are no longer required to renew their premises permits with the State. Licenses issued
are now perpetual and valid unless suspended or revoked by the Minnesota Gambling Board,
terminated by the organization, or if the license lapses.
Definitions:
Gross receipts - all receipts derived from lawful gambling sales
Gross profits - gross receipts collected from lawful gambling less prizes
Net profits - gross profits minus all allowable expenses including rent, local tax, and state tax
History
Previous City Council discussions have occurred throughout the years regarding various distance and
parking requirements, distribution of proceeds, local tax, and trade area lawful purpose expenditures
resulting in approximately 17 amendments to the gambling ordinance since 1978. The conclusion
in many of the council discussions was that the city did not have authority over the state law
regarding what specific lawful purpose expenditures must be made. Excerpts from the meeting
minutes of these discussions are attached to this report. One reason the “trade area” provision in
state law originated was to basically cover school districts which often included surrounding
communities. The following is a brief history of various regulations relating to the City’s gambling
ordinance:
1978 – City began licensing and regulating lawful gambling. First gambling Ordinance No. 1430
required organizations to be in existence in the City of St. Louis Park for at least 3 years.
1984 – State Legislature created the State Gambling Control Board to maintain the integrity of
lawful gambling through “state” licensing and “state” regulation.
1989 – City gambling ordinance amended to allow “all” MN qualified organizations opportunity
to apply for a gambling premises permit in St. Louis Park.
1990 – City gambling ordinance amended to require 10% of net profits to be contributed to City;
no more than 2 locations per organization, ALL proceeds (net profits less expenses)
expended within trade area, $250 investigation fee.
1999 – City gambling Ordinance amended to require 2% local tax and 90% of proceeds to be
expended within trade area, remove investigation fee, remove 10% city contribution.
2001 – City gambling Ordinance amended to require .75% local tax.
2005 – City gambling Ordinance amended to require 1/10th of 1% local tax.
Gambling Authority
Minnesota Gambling Control Board (GCB)
• Regulates conduct of lawful gambling
• Conducts compliance reviews, site inspections, and civil investigations
• Committees include Compliance Review Group, Rules Committee, Legislative Committee,
and Executive Committee
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments Page 12
April 12, 2010 Council Report
Minnesota Department of Revenue
• Collects state lawful gambling tax and conducts tax audits
Department of Public Safety Alcohol & Gambling Enforcement
• Investigates illegal gambling and conducts criminal investigations
City Authority - MN State Statute 349.213
• Approval/denial of permits
• Prohibition of gambling
• Expenditure of gambling funds in trade area (city ordinance/state law requirement)
• Cannot require an organization to make a contribution to the city as a condition of approval.
• Impose Local Gambling Tax up to 3% of gross proceeds OR investigation fee of $250.
(St. Louis Park currently imposes 1/10 of 1% local tax to cover gambling administration costs)
• Impose contribution of 10% of net profits to a city administered fund for lawful
purposes including City Fire and Police Departments. (St. Louis Park currently does not
require a 10% contribution fund)
• More stringent city regulation options allowable:
1. Limit only organizations that exist in St. Louis Park.
2. Require a certain number of years organizations must exist in St. Louis Park.
3. Limit the number of premises locations each organization may have in St. Louis Park.
4. Limit the total number of premises permits allowed in the entire city.
5. Regulate the days and times and where lawful gambling may occur.
Although cities do not have authority to require gambling funds to be donated to specific
organizations, there is no law that prohibits a city from providing a “list” to applicants of suggested
recipients allowable for donation consideration. If such a list would be provided, it may be
important that careful and impartial consideration be given to the suggested recipients included on
this list.
Neighboring Cities Gambling Regulations
Edina – Gambling prohibited
Blaine – Organization principal business operations within city for at least 2 years, no more than 4
locations per organization, 10% contribution to city, ALL expenditures to trade area.
Brooklyn Center – Organization must be in existence in city for at least 3 years.
Eden Prairie – Limited to 4 premises within city, plus 1 premise for each 10,000 persons residing in
excess of 40,000, 10% contribution to city fund, 30% expenditures to trade area, 1% local tax.
Maple Grove – Physical site for organization’s headquarters or office located within city at least 2
years, 10% contribution to city fund, 50% expenditures to trade area, ½ % local tax.
New Hope – Only local organizations which have operated within city for at least 3 years, 10%
contribution to city fund, 15% expenditures to trade area.
Plymouth – Organization headquarters within city at least 2 years, 10% contribution to city fund,
75% expenditures to trade area.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments Page 13
April 12, 2010 Council Report
Lawful Purpose Expenditures
State Statute gives cities the authority to specify the percentage of lawful purpose expenditures to be
spent in their trade area. St. Louis Park City Code Section 15-8 requires each organization
conducting lawful gambling within the city to expend 90 percent of its lawful purpose expenditures
within the “trade area” of St. Louis Park which includes Minneapolis, Edina, Hopkins, Minnetonka,
Plymouth and Golden Valley. The city does not have authority on what specific lawful purpose
expenditures must be made. That authority rests with the organization and its membership.
Lawful purpose expenditure amounts include all taxes, fees, and charitable lawful purposes
contributions. Expenditures are determined from net profit after all prizes and allowable expenses
including payroll, rent, advertising, product, and office supplies are accounted for. Organizations
are allowed to carry over to the next month any unalloted profit expenditures. A chart listing the
types of Expenditures Allowed by State law is attached to this report.
Organizations report their monthly lawful purpose expenditures to the State of Minnesota and the
City of St. Louis Park on a state required form known as “Schedule C/D”. A separate Schedule C/D
is not required for each site location. Attached to this report is a sample of State Schedule C/D for
Community Charities Organization which shows donations from the Texa-Tonka Lanes site.
Local Gambling Tax
A local gambling tax may be imposed to cover only the expenses incurred by a city to administer
gambling activities. Cities may impose this tax up to 3% of gross profits (gross receipts minus
prizes) awarded to raise revenues necessary to cover city costs. The City has not collected a local tax
since 2005 in order to use the accumulated fund balance towards costs associated with gambling
administration and enforcement through year 2009. Costs allowable associated with regulating
gambling include the following:
• Background investigations
• Administration of premises application
• Random police compliance visits
• Questions and correspondence staff time
With the fund balance completely expended, beginning January 1, 2010 the city reinstated the local
gambling tax of 0.0010 percent (one tenth of one percent) of the gross receipts of a licensed
organization from all lawful gambling less prizes paid out by the organization. Should council
choose to increase this local tax percentage amount, a tax greater than 1% cannot be justified to
cover current annual expenses at this time.
Projected amounts for a 1% local tax increase using past data from current organizations is shown in
the attached Gambling Activity spreadsheet.
Organizations are required to submit a new city form reporting 2010 monthly local tax and
expenditures in addition to copies of required monthly state gambling reports. Attached are copies
of state and city submitted reports and forms for organizations operating since January 2010.
(Hopkins Raspberry Festival started operation in March 2010 at McCoy’s Restaurant).
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments Page 14
April 12, 2010 Council Report
10% City Contribution Fund
As established by an Ordinance, cities may require licensed organizations to contribute up to 10%
per year of net profits (gross profits minus all expenses and any local and state taxes) from local
lawful gambling to a city administered fund. The funds may be spent only for charitable
contributions allowed by state law (A codes) as follows:
A1 To 501(c)(3) organization or 501(c)(4) festival organization
A2 Relieving effects of poverty, homelessness, or disability
A3 Program for education, prevention, or treatment of problem gambling
A4 Public or private nonprofit school
A5 Scholarship fund
A6 Military service recognition (open to public) or support of active military
A7 Activities and facilities for youth
A10 Expenditures for police, fire, and other emergency or public safety-related services,
equipment, and training (not allowed- pension or retirement funds)
A11 Church
A13 With DNR approval, wildlife management projects/activities that benefit public-at-
large such as trails
A14 Nutritional programs, food shelves, and congregate dining programs primarily for
persons 62 and older or disabled
A15 Community arts organizations, or sponsorship of community arts program
A19 Humanitarian service – recognizing volunteerism or philanthropy
In fiscal year 2009, a total of $7,100,000 was contributed to Minnesota units of government for
contributions allowed under code A-10. In calendar year 2008, 84 cities required 10% fund
contributions as mandated by city ordinance.
The City currently does not require a 10% contribution fund. Projected 10% contribution revenue
using past data from current organizations is shown in the attached Gambling Activity spreadsheet.
St. Louis Park Gambling Establishments
Currently there are three qualified organizations licensed by the State who operate pull tab gambling
at five different location premises in the City of St. Louis Park.
1. Community Charities, 115 S. Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN
• Operating at American Legion Post 282 since 2002
• Operating at Park Tavern since 2002
• Operating at Texa-Tonka Lanes since 2002
• Operates at over 40 other locations in Minnesota
Attached is a complete list of Community Charities donations to St. Louis Park from April 2004
through September 2009. Various large donations to St. Louis Park since 2004 included:
Community Foundation $200,000; Parktacular $20,000; Youth Bowling $12,000; Youth
Baseball $10,000; Park Nicollet Foundation $7,500; STEP $7,000; Twin West Foundation
$5,500; Fire Department fire engine restoration $5,000; Westwood Nature Center $2,000.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments Page 15
April 12, 2010 Council Report
2. St. Louis Park Hockey Boosters Association
• Operating at Bunny’s since 1992
Past donations to St. Louis Park for Ice Time included approx. $174,000 in 2009 and $72,500
in 2008.
3. Hopkins Raspberry Festival, 175 Jackson Ave No. Hopkins, MN
• Operating at McCoy’s since March 2010
• Previously operated at Al’s Bar since 2002 and Laredo’s in 2009 whose businesses closed
Past donations to St. Louis Park Parktacular since 2004 were approx. $38,000
The attached Gambling Activity spreadsheets show gross receipts, prizes paid out, gross profits,
allowable expenses, taxes, and net profits of each premises location in 2008 and 2009.
Rental Lease Amounts
Organizations may conduct lawful gambling only on premises it owns or leases and may choose from
different rental amount options. Booth operations are when organization employees operate
gambling sales and the rental amount is 0-10% of gross profits per month not to exceed $1,750. Bar
operations are when establishment employees operate gambling sales usually at the bar and the rental
amount is 0-20% of gross profits. Rental amounts vary each month.
Average Monthly Rental Amounts for current and past organizations
Community Charities
American Legion Post 282 $ 1,750
Park Tavern 1,709
Texa Tonka Lanes 505
Hopkins Raspberry Assoc.
Al's Bar (thru Jul 09) 1,479
Laredo's (Feb 09 thru Dec 09) 224
McCoy's (starting Mar 2010)
SLP Hockey Boosters Assoc.
Bunny's 1,750
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
Projections from finance department calculations indicate revenue of approximately $35,000 -
$40,000 per year if the city required a 10% contribution fund from the current licensed gambling
establishments.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
Not Applicable.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments Page 16
April 12, 2010 Council Report
Attachments: Expenditures Allowed (State Law “A” codes)
2009 State Gambling Expenditure Breakdown Chart
2010 City Reporting Forms including sample Schedule C/D Expenditures
2009 City Gambling Activity Spreadsheet
2008 City Gambling Activity Spreadsheet
Community Charities Letter with SLP donations 2004-2009
Excerpts from meeting minutes of past gambling discussion
Prepared by: Nancy Stroth, City Clerk
Darla Monson, Finance Accountant
Review by: Tom Scott, St. Louis Park City Attorney
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments Page 17
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Gambling ActivityCity of St. Louis Park LocationsJanuary 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009Organization/SiteGross ReceiptsPrizes Paid OutGross ProfitAllowable ExpensesState Combined Receipts TaxState Regulatory TaxNet Profit1 Local Tax at 1%(up to 3% of Gross Profit)2Max Amt for Contrib Fund (up to 10% of Net Profit)Community Charities American Legion Post 282 $1,815,155 $1,530,357 $284,798 $136,107 $56,873 $1,815 $90,003 $2,848 $9,000 Park Tavern$1,641,143 $1,373,585 $267,558 $146,814 $47,998 $1,641 $71,104 $2,676 $7,110 Texa Tonka Lanes$145,231 $113,912 $31,319 $18,423$0$145 $12,751 $313 $1,275Hopkins Raspberry Assoc. Al's Bar (thru Jul 09)$595,954 $480,419 $115,535 $88,860 $1,631$596 $24,448 $1,155 $2,445 Laredo's (Feb 09 thru Dec 09)$153,245 $127,706 $25,539 $10,074$0$153 $15,311 $255 $1,531 McCoy's (starting Mar 2010)SLP Hockey Boosters Assoc. Bunny's$2,963,408 $2,488,789 $474,619 $182,747 $115,434 $2,963 $173,475 $4,746 $17,348$7,314,135 $6,114,768 $1,199,367 $583,025 $221,936 $7,314 $387,092$11,994 $38,709Notes:1. A City may impose a local gambling tax of up to 3 percent of gross profits to cover City expenses to regulate gambling activities, such as staff time, legal fees, and background checks. This tax may be imposed only to the extent necessary to cover the costs to regulate gambling within the jurisdiction. Currently, the City imposes a tax of 1/10 of 1%. A tax of any more than 1% cannot be justified to cover current annual expenses. Annual reporting to the State Gambling Control Board is required.2. A City may require a contribution of up to 10 percent of net profits each year to a fund administered by the City. Annual reporting to the State Gambling Control Board is required. A list of the expenditures these funds can be used for is included in the Council report.Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5) Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance AmendmentsPage 29
Gambling ActivityCity of St. Louis Park LocationsJanuary 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008Organization/SiteGross ReceiptsPrizes Paid OutGross ProfitAllowable ExpensesState Combined Receipts TaxState Regulatory TaxNet Profit1 Local Tax at 1%(up to 3% of Gross Profit)2Max Amt for Contrib Fund (up to 10% of Net Profit)Community Charities American Legion Post 282 $1,856,855 $1,567,579 $289,276 $136,148 $59,000 $1,857 $92,271 $2,893 $9,227 Park Tavern$1,347,250 $1,071,061 $276,189 $152,650 $33,010 $1,347 $89,182 $2,762 $8,918 Texa Tonka Lanes$179,780 $133,819 $45,961 $30,901$0$180 $14,880 $460 $1,488Hopkins Raspberry Assoc. Al's Bar$1,094,671 $888,420 $206,251 $105,454 $20,128 $1,095 $79,574 $2,063 $7,957SLP Hockey Boosters Assoc. Bunny's$2,715,857 $2,276,416 $439,441 $173,660 $102,809 $2,716 $160,257 $4,394 $16,026$7,194,413 $5,937,295 $1,257,118 $598,813 $214,946 $7,194 $436,164$12,571 $43,616Notes:1. A City may impose a local gambling tax of up to 3 percent of gross profits to cover City expenses to regulate gambling activities, such as staff time, legal fees, and background checksThis tax may be imposed only to the extent necessary to cover the costs to regulate gambling within the jurisdiction. Currently, the City imposes a tax of 1/10 of 1%. A tax of any more than 1% cannot be justified to cover current annual expenses. Annual reporting to the State Gambling Control Board is required.2. A City may require a contribution of up to 10 percent of net profits each year to a fund administered by the City. Annual reporting to the State Gambling Control Board is required. A list of the expenditures these funds can be used for is included in the Council report.Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5) Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance AmendmentsPage 30
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Excerpts from Council Meeting Minutes regarding Gambling
July 2, 1990 City Council Meeting - 8c. Charitable gambling licenses 1st Reading
It was moved by Councilmember Haun, seconded by Councilmember Tschida, to approve, set
second reading for July 16, 1990 and authorize summary publication.
The City Manager briefly outlined the proposed changes in the ordinance. Basically, the ordinance
was being updated to come into comformance with recent action of the State Legislature.
Councilmember Haun alluded to the problems Council has had with the recent applicants for
licenses or license renewal. He asked if those applicants being checked out by the State Gambling
Commission proved to be clean, would the Council now have to “grandfather” them in for a period
of one year or would Council have the option not to do that.
City Attorney responded that one application, not acted upon wither way by the Council, would
return to the state and could have been issued a license. He believed the City exercised its veto
power in the other instance and therefore not grandfathered.
The motion passed 4-0
July 16, 1990 City Council Meeting - 8e. Lawful gambling licenses Ordinance
The City Manager briefly discussed the changes in the ordinance since first reading. He stated
Council would have to decide, with regard to the investigation fee, whether the city would impose a
$250 investigation fee or a 3% local tax.
Richaed Bazbrielson, Animal Humans Society of Hennepin County, urged the council to reconsider
so that 501C3s, such as the Animal Humane Society as charities, can be differentiated from
fraternals or clubs in that they are required by state law to give their monies away.
Councilmember Battaglia, concerned about the maximum amount of money going to a given
charity, wondered if a limit could be imposed on the amount of administration costs an agency can
collect in order to operate the charitable gambling portion of its operation.
The City Attorney recollected that the City as part of its police powers is not allowed to do that.
This is left to the State Charitable Gambling Board.
Mayor Hanks wondered if the 10% contribution to the City from charitable gambling proceeds
would dry up the monies now being contributed towards scholarships at the high school. The City
Manager responded that the City had received no response from the gambling managers regarding
the proposal.
The Mayor asked what the city intended to do with the 10%.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments Page 35
(Excerpts from Council Meeting Minutes regarding Gambling continued)
It was moved by Councilmember Mitchel, seconded by Councilmember Meland to adopt
Ordinance 1834-90 providing for definitions, premises permits, exemptions, fees, taxes, and trade
area contributions. The motion carried 7-0
December 6, 1999 Council Meeting - - 8a. Second reading Ordinance 2148-99
Cindy Larsen, City Clerk presented a staff report and recommended approval with an effective date
of January 1, 2000.
Bruce Berthiume, 3125 Oregon Avenue South, “My concern with the proposed administrative tax is
that our organization would end up being over 25% of the cost of the whole fund due to the amount
of the sales that we have. Our organization does not feel that is right. We feel that the burden that
the St. Louis Park Hockey Boosters would have would be greater than our share as far as the
administrative costs”.
Cindy Larsen, City Clerk stated that the City was not allowed by Statute to adjust that for
organizations.
Ed McDevitt, 3379 Brownlow Avenue South, “In checking with our bookkeeper, I found out that
we did not spend any money outside of the St. Louis Park area and I would be in favor of the 90%
trade area restriction.
Cindy Larsen, City Clerk stated that rather than completing new sets of forms, organizations would
be required only to make a photocopy of forms already prepared for the State Board. She noted that
the only additional form was the lawful purpose expenditure form.
Councilmember Latz stated that he reviewed the data from the organizations on the amount of
proceeds being spent within the trade area and after extrapolating, questioned the need to impose
any legislative trade area restrictions at this time when almost all of the organizations in St. Louis
Park are currently spending their money in St. Louis Park (trade area).
He was also concerned if the language in the ordinance would get at the information that was
actually desired.
Tom Flugar, 2900 Pennsylvania Avenue, noted an error in the staff report in Section 13-1608. The
amount of tax to be collected should be 2% rather than 3% as stated in the draft ordinance. He
asked if the amount that a certain organization would contribute could be capped.
Ms. Larsen, City Clerk indicated that the Statute was very well defined and this was not possible.
It was moved by Councilmember Latz to adopt the ordinance, approve the summary and authorize
summary publication with the exception of the portion regarding the trade area restriction.
The motion failed for lack of a second to the motion.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments Page 36
(Excerpts from Council Meeting Minutes regarding Gambling continued)
Councilmember Young believed that if the Council extrapolated with the information received from
the organizations to date we would find that the other organizations are giving less than 90% to the
trade area and this may be a reason why they have not responded yet.
He stated that the City has had significant problems with some organizations in the past where
virtually 100% of their proceeds never stayed in St. Louis Park or the trade area and we can prevent
this from happening in the future.
Councilmember Sanger concurred with Councilmember Young. She asked staff to clarify how the
City could adjust 2% tax rate annually depending on what the expenses are.
Ms. Larsen, City Clerk explained that at the end of the year if the City finds that they collected too
much or too little, they can act to change the ordinance to modify the amount of tax collected. She
indicated that a new vote was not necessary unless the City decided they wanted to change the
ordinance.
Councilmember Sanger questioned if something couldn’t be built into the ordinance that indexes
the tax based on the cost so it is predictable for organizations of what the tax will be from year to
year.
Mr. Meyer, City Manager suggested that the percentage be adjusted one time in the future which
would be either up or down within the 3% range. Mr. Scott, City Attorney concurred with the City
Manager.
She noted that the trade area was for lawful purposes within the trade area, but was very loosely
defined and City could set parameters.
Councilmember Nelson questioned what the cost impact was going to be on the organizations to
obtain certification from a CPA.
Ms. McGann, Director of Finance stated that statute already requires organizations to do an annual
audit and that certification by a CPA stating that the organization is in compliance with state and
local ordinances is already part of that audit. She did not see that this would be an additional
expense to the organizations.
Councilmember Nelson stated that since the CPA was being asked to certify that the funds are being
expended in the trade area this would be new information and be an additional cost to the
organization.
He stated that he believed that the attitude of the City Council was that this is money generated in
St. Louis Park, therefore it is ours and we should be able to spend it. He did not agree with that
attitude. He stated that he would be voting against the ordinance.
Tom Flugar, 2900 Pennsylvania Avenue and Bruce Berthiume, 3125 Oregon Avenue South,
indicated that their audits were done at the end of their individual fiscal year not calendar year.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments Page 37
(Excerpts from Council Meeting Minutes regarding Gambling continued)
Councilmember Sanger asked if organizations do their reporting to the state on a fiscal year which is
different than the calendar could this be accepted and the City monitor base this on the individual’s
fiscal year rather than a calendar year.
Ms. Larsen indicated that this was possible. Mr. Meyer, City Manager suggested taking out the
dates in the ordinance to reflect this.
Councilmember recommended a friendly amendment to the ordinance requiring certification
starting with the next fiscal year for an organization that ends on or after January 1, 2000.
Councilmember Latz asked staff to read the letter that was sent to organizations requesting
information. Ms. Larsen read a copy of letter that was sent to each organization.
Councilmember Latz stated that he found it difficult to determine any percentages of what was
currently being directed toward the trade area from the information organizations had submitted in
response to that letter. He would prefer not to make a decision without having this information.
Councilmember Young believed that it was important to move forward on this issue to set guidelines
for future organizations that will protect the City and won’t have to be revisited again.
Mr. Meyer, City Manager clarified the amendments to the ordinance: That the trade area restriction
reporting would apply to the fiscal year beginning after January, 2000 and simplify language in
Section 13-1607 to read “In addition each organization must submit an annual report to the City
listing all lawful purpose expenditures . . .”
Councilmember Young accepted the Councilmember Sanger’s friendly amendment.
It was moved by Councilmember Young, seconded by Councilmember Brimeyer to adopt the
ordinance, approve the summary and authorize summary publication. The motion passed 5-2.
Councilmembers Latz and Nelson opposed.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments Page 38
Meeting Date: June 28, 2010
Agenda Item #: 2
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Charitable Gambling Regulations
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The purpose of this report is to provide further information for Council discussion on lawful
charitable gambling regulations in St. Louis Park.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
• Does the Council feel there is a need for additional charitable gambling requirements and/or
restrictions (within state law limitations) to the existing city gambling ordinance?
• Does the Council wish to meet with charitable gambling managers to discuss gambling
regulations further?
BACKGROUND:
At the April 12 Study Session, Council discussion took place regarding lawful charitable gambling
past history, gambling regulations, gambling authority, gambling proceed expenditures, and
gambling operations in St. Louis Park (see attached staff report and meeting minutes).
Current program in St. Louis Park
The City currently imposes a 1/10 of 1% local tax to cover charitable gambling administration costs.
Current operators and managers
Currently there are three qualified organizations licensed by the State who operate pull tab gambling
at five different location premises in the City of St. Louis Park.
• Community Charities, 115 S. Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN, operating at American
Legion Post 282 since 2002, Park Tavern since 2002, and Texa-Tonka Lanes since 2002.
• St. Louis Park Hockey Boosters Association operating at Bunny’s since 1992.
• Hopkins Raspberry Festival, 175 Jackson Ave No. Hopkins, MN operating at McCoy’s
since March 2010, previously operated at Al’s Bar since 2002 and Laredo’s in 2009
(businesses now closed).
Follow-up information requested by Council
At the study session of April 12th, Council requested additional information regarding legal authority
of a 10% contribution requirement. Council also requested that staff receive feedback from existing
gambling managers on the following possible gambling regulations:
• Requiring gambling organizations to exist in the city for a specified number of years.
• Limiting total number of premises locations per establishment.
• Limiting total number of gambling permits citywide.
• Requiring a 10% City Contribution.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments Page 39
June 28, 2010 Council Report
Meeting with Charitable Gambling Managers – feedback attached
As directed by Council, staff conducted a Gambling Manager Meeting on April 28, 2010 to receive
comments. A total of 8 people attended representing Community Charities, Hopkins Raspberry
Festival, American Legion Post 282, and St. Louis Park Hockey Association. In accordance with
Council direction, staff received feedback and comments from the meeting. As a result of the
meeting and gathering feedback it was the consensus of those in attendance that they did not see a
problem with the existing operation in St. Louis Park, nor the need for changes including adding
other gambling requirements in the City.
City Attorney - Legal Opinion on 10% contribution
At the April 12 Study Session Council requested an opinion from the attorney on whether the city
could exempt from any ten percent city contribution requirement any gambling organization that
already expends all (or a certain designated percentage) of its net profits on lawful purposes
conducted within the city. City Attorney Tom Scott believes that the city can have such an
exemption. Mr. Scott’s e-mail to staff on this issue is as follows:
The statute states that the city may have an “ordinance requirement that such organizations must
contribute ten percent per year of their net profits." While not specifically addressed by the statute,
it is the opinion of the city attorney that an exemption for organizations that expend all or a high
percentage of their net profits on activities conducted in St Louis Park would probably not run afoul
of the statute or otherwise be illegal. There is the potential for the exemption to be successfully
challenged in court. However, given what is believed to be a good legal argument that the
exemption is permitted, the nature of the exemption and the amounts of money involved, it seems
like the risks to the city are minimal.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
Projections from the Finance Department indicate revenue of approximately $35,000 - $40,000 per
year if the city required a 10% contribution fund from the current licensed gambling establishments.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
Not Applicable.
Attachments: Gambling Manager Meeting Feedback
General information on gambling operations and regulations
Excerpts from April 12 meeting minutes
April 12 Council Report
Prepared by: Nancy Stroth, City Clerk
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments Page 40
June 28, 2010 Council Report
Feedback from Gambling Managers - April 28, 2010
Organization Applicants must exist in SLP, and for a certain number of years
• Grandfather clause needed
• Too restricting with economy and lower interest in conducting gambling
• 1st priority to local organizations and then open to outside
• Would make it hard to change vendors
• Would make it hard to start up a new organization
• If starting a new organization, number of years is too restrictive
• Why do this? Expenditures already go to the trade area
• Regulation for the sake of regulation
• It is already difficult for establishment to find organizations
Limit # of Premise Locations Per Organization
• More cost effective with more locations
• Could limit donations
• Competition is good
Limit # of Total Gambling Permits allowed Citywide
• Competition not good
• Would limit donations to charities
• Tougher for current organizations
• Profits going down each year
• Not good to have too many
10 % Contribution Fund
• Some organizations already give to fire and police, if they give 10% they would change
their donation
• Burden on the city to determine who to donate to
• Would cut back on current donations
• Who has control over fund?
• Political?
• Fees would be raised for hockey
• Someone else would pay
• Lose lose situation
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments Page 41
June 28, 2010 Council Report
Feedback from Gambling Managers April 28, 2010 continued
Other
• Gambling organizations are the most highly taxed business in state
• Real issue – how well is organization applying and how long have they been involved in
gambling?
• What are we solving and what’s the problem- If its not broken, why fix it
• Veterans Programs Benefit SLP
• Current local organizations have a priority
• Gambling $ not all coming from SLP residents
• Less options there are for locations
• Gambling supports local businesses including rent payment from gambling organizations
• If limited – donations may go to few charities or just one charity
• Better to have variety of donations but should be up to organizations
• Take a look at who we donate to for the good of the community (Veterans, Hockey,
Parktacular, STEP, Community Foundation, Educational Scholarships)
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments Page 42
June 28, 2010 Council Report
General information on Gambling Operations and Regulations
Gambling Regulation allowed within City Authority
• Limit only organizations that exist in St. Louis Park.
• Require a certain number of years organizations must exist in St. Louis Park.
• Limit the number of premises locations each organization may have in St. Louis Park.
• Limit the total number of premises permits allowed citywide.
• Increase Local Gambling Tax up to 3% of gross proceeds to cover city administration costs.
(St. Louis Park currently imposes 1/10 of 1%)
• Impose contribution of 10% of net profits to a city administered fund for lawful purposes
such as City Fire/Police/Park & Recreation, public trails, scholarship fund,activities and
facilities for youth, food shelves, or community arts program.
Neighboring Cities 10% City Contribution Fund Donation Allocation
Blaine – 10% contribution funds placed in a Special Revenue Fund managed by Finance
Department with final approval by council. Funds are typically used for battered women’s shelter,
food shelves, community groups (4th of July Committee), and high school scholarship/senior party.
Golden Valley – 10% contribution fund donations decided by Human Services Foundation
through an application process.
Maple Grove – 10% contribution funds placed in an escrow account and staff recommends the
allocation to council (99% of the time it goes to Police/Fire Equipment).
New Hope – 10% contribution funds allocated to Park & Rec Scholarship Fund.
Plymouth –10% contribution funds used for the purpose of Music in Plymouth.
All cities contacted reported a large decline in gambling funding since 2005.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments Page 43
June 28, 2010 Council Report
April 12, 2010 Study Session Meeting - Minutes excerpts
Lawful Charitable Gambling
Ms. Stroth presented the staff report and discussed the City’s authority related to charitable gambling. She
stated that the City currently imposes a 1/10 of 1% local tax to cover gambling administration costs. She
discussed lawful purpose expenditures and how the trade area and gambling relates to St. Louis Park. She
stated that cities may require licensed organizations to contribute up to 10% per year of net profits to a city
administered fund; and that the City currently does not require a 10% contribution fund.
Councilmember Finkelstein stated that he would like a policy that would encourage these groups to spend
their proceeds in St. Louis Park. He stated the City has several new bars opening up and felt it was important
to have standards in place related to charitable gambling, including perhaps a limitation on the number of
charitable gambling locations in the City.
Councilmember Sanger stated she would like to see constraints, to the extent possible, that charitable
donations are funneled to St. Louis Park charities. She indicated reinstating the 10% City Contribution
Fund as a means of making sure that allowable expenditures actually meet the needs of the charities in the
City.
Mr. Scott stated that the City can require up to a 10% contribution fund but cannot limit where the funds
are spent. He reiterated that the City requires charitable gambling organizations to expend 90% of its lawful
purpose expenditures within the trade area.
The Council discussed lawful purpose expenditures, the 10% contribution fund, and the City’s authority
pursuant to State statute.
Councilmember Finkelstein stated he would like the Council to further review the City’s allowable regulation
options with respect to limiting the number of premises locations any one charity can have in the City. He
stated he would like to have a requirement that an organization be in existence in the City for a specified
number of years and to consider limiting the total number of premises permits in the entire City. He
indicated he was concerned that if the Council does not address these issues now and premises permits are
approved, the City will lose this opportunity for thoughtful policy consideration and direction.
Councilmember Mavity requested a more definitive legal opinion with respect to the question of whether the
City can use a 10% contribution fund requirement as a means of encouraging organizations to donate their
charitable contributions to St. Louis Park organizations.
Mr. Harmening stated staff will provide the Council with the feedback received through the public process of
meeting with current gambling organizations and establishments. In addition, staff will research how a 10%
requirement would work and whether the 10% requirement can be leveraged to encourage operators to
donate to St. Louis Park organizations.
Councilmember Finkelstein requested that the City delay action on any new charitable gambling applications
until the Council has concluded its work on this.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Charitable Gambling Ordinance Amendments Page 44
Meeting Date: September 13, 2010
Agenda Item #: 6
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Discussion on 2011 Budget, Capital Improvement Plan, Long Range Financial Management Plan,
Utility Rates, Franchise Fees, and Final Levies.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
No formal action required. Staff desires to discuss the 2011 budget and schedule to determine if it
meets with City Council expectations.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
• Does the City Council agree with the discussion topics and schedule as outlined?
• Does Council wish to make changes in this schedule?
• Are there any additional topic areas the Council would like to add to the upcoming
discussions?
BACKGROUND:
On June 14, 2010, Council discussed the 2011 budget process. Council directed staff to follow
recommendations from the “2010/2011 Budget Snapshot” presented at the meeting when preparing
the 2011 budget. Assumptions in the “2010/2011 Budget Snapshot” included a pattern similar to
2010 - hold expenditures flat if at all possible, with the possibility for some modest growth based on
essential business needs, a modest levy increase, funding for a wage and benefit contribution
increase, a franchise fee increase, a modest increase in other fees to fit with business costs, possible
utility rate increases, and continued long range financial planning. Council also directed staff to
move ahead in preparation of franchise fees for 2011.
On July 19, Gary Carlson, Intergovernmental Relations Director from the League of Minnesota
Cities presented an overview of upcoming legislative issues and thoughts on state budget issues as it
relates to St. Louis Park. Council discussed specific budget related questions with Mr. Carlson.
On August 9, 2010 Council discussed the 2011 budget. Information was presented to Council on
questions from the June work session. Department Directors were present with Council as the
budget discussion continued. Topics covered were review of 2011 General Fund recommendations,
revenues, expenditures, fees and dispatch operations. Council also reviewed debt service projections,
2011 Preliminary Property Tax Levy options for consideration showing 2011 and 2012 potential
implications. Discussion was held on Preliminary HRA levy projection, franchise fees, Capital
Improvement Program and the Long Range Financial Management Plan. Staff also presented
information on property tax implications on residential properties at different valuations. Council
directed staff to prepare budget documents for September 7, 2010 City Council meeting based on
the maximum allowable levy understood to be the case at that time, subject to further consideration
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 6) Page 2
Subject: Discussion on 2011 Budget
prior to final adoption and to prepare documents needed to implement a $.75 per month increase in
the franchise fee.
On September 7, 2010, Council set the 2011 Preliminary Property Tax Levy. This was based on
direction from the August 9, 2010 meeting to set 2011 Preliminary Property Tax Levy at
$23,562,306 which is an increase of $1,096,913, or a 4.88% increase from the 2010 Final Property
Tax Levy. This levy is utilized to support the operations of the General Fund, Park and Recreation
Fund, Park Improvement Fund, Capital Replacement Fund, and Pavement Management Fund.
Special levies, which are allowed in addition to the general levy, are permitted for debt service, public
safety personnel services, and the Market Value Homestead Credit un-allotment for 2010 and 2011.
Approximately 50.2% or $550,779 of the 4.88% levy increase is being used for operational
purposes. The remaining amount is proposed to be allocated for capital needs.
PROPOSED NEXT STEPS IN BUDGET DISCUSSION:
Below is a listing of topics and meeting dates related to our continued discussion on the 2011
budgets, fees and funds. Adjustments will be made to this schedule as Council desires.
September 13 Discussion 2011 Budget
September 20 Regular City Council Meeting - First Reading 2011 Fees, public hearing
October 18 Study Session prior to Regular City Council Meeting - Utility rate discussion
October Franchise Fees
October 25 Study Session – Council to review 2011 Budget, Special Revenue and
Enterprise funds, Capital Improvement Plan, Long Range Financial
Management Plan, and continued utility rate discussion
Nov. 8 and/or 22 Continued budget discussions as needed and directed
December 6 Regular City Council Meeting - Truth in Taxation Public Hearing for 2011
Budget and 2011 Tax Levies for City and HRA
December 13 Regular City Council Meeting - If necessary – continuation of Truth in
Taxation Public Hearing and 2011 Budget Discussion
December 20 Regular City Council Meeting - Council adoption of 2011 Budget, 2011
Final Property Tax Levies for City and HRA, 2011 Utility Rates, 2011 Fees,
2011–2015 Capital Improvement Plan. Long Range Financial Management
Plan will be provided as a report, but will not be formally adopted.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
The proposed budgets and tax levies will support necessary city services to be provided during 2011
and funding for capital projects.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
Vision, including strategic directions, were used in preparing the budget documents.
Attachments: None
Prepared by: Nancy Deno Gohman, Deputy City Manager/HR Director
Brian A. Swanson, Controller
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Meeting Date: September 13, 2010
Agenda Item #: 7
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Communications/Meeting Check-In (Verbal).
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Not Applicable.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND:
At every Study Session, verbal communications will take place between staff and Council for the
purpose of information sharing.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
Not Applicable.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
Not Applicable.
Attachments: None
Prepared and Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Meeting Date: September 13, 2010
Agenda Item #: 8
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Proposed Rental Licensing Ordinance Changes.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This report is being provided as an update to work staff has been undertaking on drafting
amendments to the City’s rental licensing ordinance. At this point staff is planning on bringing the
proposed ordinance to the October 4 City Council meeting for first reading. Please let staff know if
you have questions, concerns, or comments about the draft ordinance or the proposed schedule for
adoption.
BACKGROUND:
This report is a follow-up from Council discussion during the June 7, 2010 Study Session at which
time staff presented a draft of the Rental Licensing Ordinance for City Council review. Changes in
the program are being considered to provide tools to reduce the affect of neglected or poorly
managed multi-family rental properties for residents and the community. It was the consensus of the
City Council to proceed with the proposed ordinance changes and to schedule informational
meetings with the multi-family property owners to present the proposed changes.
During the June 7 meeting the Council raised questions regarding the proposed length of a
provisional license and insurance requirements. Staff has responded to the questions in this report
and proposed ordinance.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed ordinance is designed to enhance our current rental licensing program. New
provisions in the ordinance would apply only to rental buildings with three or more units. The
existing Crime-Free program ordinance requirements have been successful in resolving concerns
arising in single family and duplex units.
The two primary components of the proposed rental license ordinance would be to establish a
provisional license, and a more specific process for revocation, suspension or non-renewal of a license
if ever needed:
Provisional License - The intent of a provisional license would be to assist the property
owner in creating a mitigation plan and correcting deficiencies in the business operation
effecting residents and the community. A property will be considered for a provisional
license when one or more of these three conditions exist:
1) The average number of Police contacts relating to crime or nuisance calls per dwelling
unit in the preceding twelve month period exceeds a threshold. Licensed premises with
between three and eleven dwelling units would need to average 1.0 or more Police
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 8) Page 2
Subject: Proposed Rental Licensing Ordinance Changes
contacts per dwelling unit and licensed premises with twelve or more dwelling units
would need to generate an average of 0.7 or more Police contacts per dwelling unit to
bring this condition into play.
2) Activities occurring in the building or on the property that create on-going public safety
concerns, including severity of issues, intimidation of tenants, and failure to comply with
crime-free provisions.
3) Failure to maintain properties in continued compliance with property maintenance codes.
To help determine an appropriate threshold of crime/nuisance calls associated with the
Crime-Free Program, staff reviewed data on the number of Police contacts for rental
buildings with three or more units from 2008 and 2009. Using the collected data, it was
apparent that a tiered system would be reasonable to trigger action for facilities of different
sizes and to fairly treat all licensed premises. Other cities with similar ordinances have this
average call level set between 0.5 and 1.0 call per unit per year.
Issuing a provisional license would establish a mitigation plan for the owner with specific
requirements to assist in returning the business to a regular license. The provisional license
will be issued for one year only. The plan may include steps to reduce certain activities,
changes in tenant screening procedures, security measures, building repairs, 24 hour on-site
management, and other related criteria. Operating under a provisional license would require
the licensee to provide the City with a current copy of their insurance certificate, monthly
written report describing the progress and status of the approved mitigation plan. The City
may contact the property owner’s insurance company to inform them of the change in their
license status.
To compensate the City for the additional time to review and manage a provisional license, a
provisional license fee would be paid by the property owner so as not to penalize owners of
all other regular licensed establishments. The provisional license fee is proposed to be twice
the total annual license fee for each building and units as set in Appendix A.
Revocation, Suspension or Non-renewal of a License - The second program component
being proposed would provide substantially more detail to the process and implications if a
license were not to be renewed, or were to be suspended, or revoked. Currently, operating a
rental building without a license is a misdemeanor offense. Unlike some other business
license types, the closing of a rental building and asking residents to leave their home due to
the actions of the manager/owner is not a practical course of action. This proposal would
establish that existing tenants, not in violation of current crime-free requirements, could
remain in their units with a suspended building license provided the building remains in
habitable condition. Vacant units however, could not be rented by the owner until a valid
license is restored to the building. This provides a financial interest for the owner to correct
the issues. Prosecution for operating without a license could still occur.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 8) Page 3
Subject: Proposed Rental Licensing Ordinance Changes
Informational Meetings
Informational meetings were held June 29 and July 1, 2010 inviting currently licensed multi-family
establishment owners to discuss the proposed changes to the rental licensing ordinance.
Representatives from Inspections and the Police Department were in attendance.
Overall the owners supported the proposed revisions to the existing license requirement. The issues
brought forward by the owners included number of calls and types of calls that would trigger the
provisional license and what effect would this have on the responsible owners. Staff informed the
group that currently licensed multi-family property owners will be notified of the scheduled first
reading.
Other Proposed Ordinance Change
Unrelated to rental licensing, one additional change that has been included in the proposed
ordinance relates to Sec. 8-33 of the City Code. This language will allow the City to pro-rate all
business license fees on a semi-annual basis. Presently, if a new business opens between Jan 1 and
December 1, they must submit payment for an entire year license fee. The code currently states that
if a new business opens within the last 30 days of the license term (during December) a license for
the following year is issued. The proposed change would allow for the new business that opens
between July 1 and December 1 to pay a license fee equal to one-half the annual fee set in Appendix
A. This is a simple and easy to calculate reduced fee system that creates more perceived fairness in
the licensing program.
This proposal will not affect City revenue since new business licenses are not known or include in
budget preparation. This is a business friendly change to create a more positive impression when
opening a business within the City.
NEXT STEPS:
If Council agrees with the intent of the proposed ordinance, final ordinance would be prepared and
presented to Council for consideration at a first reading during the October 4th regular meeting.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
No budget changes are proposed at this time, licensing and inspection are intended to be a fee for
service program.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
St. Louis Park is committed to a well maintained and diverse housing stock
Attachments: Proposed Ordinance
Prepared by: Ann Boettcher, Inspection Services Manager
Brian Hoffman, Director of Inspections
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 8 OF THE
ST. LOUIS PARK CODE OF ORDINANCES TO PROVIDE
FOR A PROVISIONAL RENTAL HOUSING LICENSE
THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK DOES ORDAIN:
Section 1. Chapter 8 of the St. Louis Park Code of Ordinances is amended by amending the
following section:
Sec. 8-33. Fees.
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, all fees for licenses under this chapter,
including investigation fees, shall be set by ordinance of the city council and listed as appendix
A of this Code. New fees called for by any ordinance subsequently adopted may be adopted by
ordinance of the council at second reading and codified into Appendix A at the time of the next
annual review by the council. In the case of contractor, business and animal licenses, license
applications received within the last 30 days of the license term will be issued a license for the
following year in the fee amount set for the following calendar year. New business licenses
issued licenses between July 1 and December 1 shall be charged a license fee equal to one-half
the annual fee set forth in Appendix A.
Section 2. Chapter 8 of the St. Louis Park Code of Ordinances is amended by adding the
following section:
Sec. 8-333. Provisional Licenses.
(a) A licensed premises is only eligible for a provisional license under the following
circumstances:
(1) a licensed premises with between three and eleven dwelling units has generated
an average of 1.0 or more police contacts per dwelling unit in the preceding
twelve (12) month period; or
(2) a licensed premises with twelve or more dwelling units that has generated an
average of 0.7 or more police contacts per dwelling unit in the preceding twelve
(12) month period; or
(3) the existence of substantial on-going public safety concerns; or
(4) licensee’s consistent failure to maintain compliance with property maintenance
and other City Code requirements.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 8)
Subject: Proposed Rental Licensing Ordinance Changes Page 4
(b) Police contacts counted to determine whether a provisional license is required include
disorderly use activities, criminal activity and drug related criminal activity defined in
Section 8-331. The police contact shall be counted if it involves an incident that occurs
anywhere on the licensed premises regardless of who is involved, or near the licensed
premises if the contact involves tenants or guests of the licensed premises.
(c) Police contacts will not be counted for purposes of determining whether a provisional
license is required where the victim and suspect are “family or household members” as
defined in the Domestic Abuse Act, Minnesota Statutes, Section 518B.01, Subd. 2 (b)
and where there is a report of “Domestic Abuse” as defined in the Domestic Abuse Act,
Minnesota Statutes, Section 518B.01, Subd. 2 (a).
(d) The period of time used to determine whether a provisional license is required based
upon the number of police contacts is the twelve (12) month period ending two months
before the expiration of the existing license. Additionally, upon sixty (60) days notice to
the licensee, a regular license may be converted to a provisional license if substantial on-
going public safety concerns exist.
(e) The existence of substantial on-going public safety concerns that make a licensed
premises only eligible for a provisional license even though the number of police calls
does not meet the above threshold shall be determined by the Chief of Police. Factors
that will be considered include the nature and severity of the incidents giving rise to the
police contacts, any evidence that tenants are being discouraged or intimidated from
making police contacts, the level of community policing activity compared to similar
properties, the number of guests and other non-tenants at the premises and the licensee’s
timeliness and diligence in evicting or otherwise addressing public safety concerns.
(f) If a licensee is determined to be only eligible for a provisional license, the licensee must
submit to the City manager or designee for review a mitigation plan for the license
period. The mitigation plan shall describe steps proposed by the applicant to reduce the
number of police contacts and public safety concerns to a level that qualifies for a regular
license. The mitigation plan may include such steps as changes in tenant screening
procedures, changes in lease terms, security measures, rules and regulations for tenant
conduct and security personnel. If there has been a consistent failure to promptly meet
property maintenance and other code requirements, the mitigation plan shall describe the
steps to eliminate the problem.
(g) In addition to an approved mitigation plan, a provisional license will only be issued if the
following conditions are also met:
(1) Owner and manager or managers have all successfully completed, or will
promptly complete, a training program provided or specified by the City.
(2) Managers must be resident managers or on-site managers who are on site or
available 24 hours a day.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 8)
Subject: Proposed Rental Licensing Ordinance Changes Page 5
(3) The licensee must provide the City with a current Certificate of Insurance
providing proof of property and general liability coverage. The City may notify
the insurer of the license status of the property.
(h) After giving the applicant an opportunity to be heard, the City Manager or designee shall
approve, disapprove, or approve with conditions the application and the mitigation plan.
In evaluating a mitigation plan, the City Manager or designee will consider, among other
things, the facility, its management practices, the nature and seriousness of the causes for
police contacts and general public safety concerns, and the expected effectiveness of
measures identified in the plan to reduce the number of police contacts or incidents of
property maintenance and other code violations. In evaluating a mitigation plan
submitted by an applicant already under a provisional license, the City Manager or
designee will also consider the effectiveness of measures identified in any previous
mitigation plan and the need for different or additional measures to reduce police
contacts, address overall public safety concerns or reduce property maintenance and other
code violations.
(i) The licensee shall comply with the mitigation plan as approved or modified by the City
Manager or designee. No later than the tenth day after each calendar month, the licensee
shall mail or deliver to the City Manager or designee a written report describing all steps
taken in furtherance of the mitigation plan during the preceding month. A provisional
license will be issued for up to a maximum of twelve months.
(j) The fee for a provisional license shall be established by ordinance. The licensee having a
regular license converted to a provisional license within the regular license term must pay
the license fee difference.
Section 3. Chapter 8 of the St. Louis Park Code of Ordinances is amended by adding the
following section:
Sec. 8-334. License Suspension, Revocation, Denial and Non-Renewal.
(a) Every regular or provisional rental housing license issued under the provisions of Section
8-326 to 8-333 is subject to suspension, revocation or non-renewal pursuant to Section 8-
36.
(b) The City may revoke, suspend or decline to renew any regular or provisional rental
housing license issued pursuant to Sections 8-326 to 8-333 upon any of the following
grounds:
(1) false statements on any application or other information or report required by this
Chapter to be given by the applicant or licensee.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 8)
Subject: Proposed Rental Licensing Ordinance Changes Page 6
(2) failure to pay any application, penalty, reinspection or reinstatement fee required
by this Chapter and City Council resolution.
(3) failure to correct deficiencies indentified in violation notices within the specified
time for maintaining the building and property in compliance with Sec. 8-329 or
failure to accommodate inspections are required by Sec. 8-330.
(4) failure to comply with the provisions of an approved mitigation plan in the case of
provisional licenses.
(5) failure to operate or maintain the licensed premises in conformity with all
applicable state laws and regulations and this Code of Ordinances.
(6) any other violation of this Chapter.
(c) Licenses may be suspended for up to six (6) months and may, after the period of
suspension, be reinstated subject to compliance with this Chapter and any conditions
imposed by the City at the time of suspension. Licenses that are revoked will not be
reinstated until the owner has applied for and secured a new license and complied with all
conditions imposed at the time of revocation.
(d) In the event that a license is suspended, revoked or not renewed, it shall be unlawful for
the owner or the owner’s duly authorized agent to thereafter permit any new occupancies
of vacant or thereafter vacated rental units until such time as a valid license may be
restored. Revocation, suspension or non-renewal of a license shall not excuse the owner
from compliance with all state laws and regulations and this Code of Ordinances for as
long as any units in the facility are occupied. Failure to comply with all terms of this
Chapter during the term of revocation, suspension or non-renewal is a misdemeanor and
grounds for extension of the term of such revocation or suspension or continuation of
non-renewal, or for a decision not to reinstate the license, notwithstanding any limitations
on the period of suspension, revocation or non-renewal.
(e) Nothing in this section shall permit occupancy of a licensed premises or individual
dwelling unit if the Certificate of Occupancy is revoked or the licensed premies or unit is
posted uninhabitable.
Section 4. Chapter 8 of the St. Louis Park Code of Ordinances is amended by adding the
following section:
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 8)
Subject: Proposed Rental Licensing Ordinance Changes Page 7
Sec. 8-335. Provisional License Fee
The fee for a provisional license shall be twice the amount of an equivalent regular license, with
such fee being set by ordinance by the City Council and codified as part of Appendix A to the
City Code.
Section 5. This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen days after its publication.
ADOPTED this ______ day of _______________, 2010, by the City Council of the City
of St. Louis Park.
CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK
By:
Jeffrey W. Jacobs, Mayor
ATTEST:
Nancy Stroth, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 8)
Subject: Proposed Rental Licensing Ordinance Changes Page 8
Meeting Date: September 13, 2010
Agenda Item #: 9
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Eliot School Draft Design Guidelines.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
No action necessary. This report is being provided at this time for informational purposes for the
City Council. Please inform staff of any questions, comments or concerns that you might have.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
None at this time. This report is an update on the progress in developing the Eliot School Site Draft
Design Guidelines, and outlines future public process steps. Please inform staff of any questions,
comments or concerns that you might have.
BACKGROUND:
In February 2010, the St. Louis Park School Board decided to close Eliot Community Center.
Subsequently the City and School Board agreed to conduct a neighborhood process to create a set of
Design Guidelines to set the stage for redeveloping the site. The intent was that Eliot’s future use
and development would be compatible with the City’s goals, School District’s goals, and the
neighborhood’s concerns and desires.
The draft Design Guidelines are attached for City Council review. This document is also being
sent to the School Board for its review at a meeting on September 14th.
PROCESS:
A neighborhood meeting was held in May, 2010 to introduce the process. Several neighbors
volunteered to be a part of a task force to develop the guidelines. All residents who expressed their
interest in participating on the Task Force were invited to become members. The Task Force was
established with 20 members, including 15 residents, the Ward 4 City Council member, a Planning
Commissioner, a Parks & Recreation Commissioner, and two School District representatives.
Hoisington-Koegler Group Inc. (HKGi) was retained to facilitate the process and develop the draft
guidelines.
The Task Force met three times from June to August 2010. The group represented a variety of
perspectives and the meetings included lively discussion and good ideas. Members were respectful of
different goals of the individuals and groups involved. Common principles were drawn out of the
discussions.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 9) Page 2
Subject: Eliot School Draft Design Guidelines
The process thus far has included:
• Analyzing the existing site, including the property, building and neighborhood context.
• Establishing task force and identifying site reuse goals
• Creating a set of principles for redevelopment
• Developing alternative reuse concepts to help identify site reuse principles
• Crafting a draft set of site and building design guidelines
Site Reuse Principles:
The Design Guidelines include a set of Site Reuse Principles along with more specific Site and
Building Design Guidelines (See attached draft Guidelines).
The Site Reuse Principles address the following areas:
1. Mix of Medium Density Residential Land Uses
2. Transition Building Heights across the Site from South to North
3. Complement Existing Development Scale and Character
4. Neighborhood Open Space
5. Community Landmark and Neighborhood Gateway
6. Neighborhood Connectivity
7. Redevelopment Feasibility
8. Owner-Occupied Housing
9. School Building Reuse
10. Interim Property Maintenance
FUTURE PROCESS:
The intent is to continue the public input process as follows:
1. Share the guidelines with the broader neighborhood for review and comment.
2. Present the guidelines to the Planning Commission.
3. Present the guidelines to the City Council and School Board – possibly in a joint meeting.
4. After addressing additional input received, determine what, if any, formal actions should be
taken related to the City’s Comprehensive Plan and zoning.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
Not Applicable.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
St. Louis Park is committed to providing a well-maintained and diverse housing stock.
St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged community.
Attachments: Draft Eliot School Site Design Guidelines
Prepared by: Meg McMonigal, Planning and Zoning Supervisor
Reviewed by: Kevin Locke, Community Development Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Eliot Community Center
Site Reuse Study
Site Design Guidelines
September 8, 2010DRAFT
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 9)
Subject: Eliot School Draft Design Guidelines Page 3
Page ii Eliot Comunity Center Site Reuse Study Design Guidelines
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements iii
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Chapter 2: Site Reuse Principles 7
Chapter 3: Site Design Guidelines 9
Chapter 4: Building Design Guidelines 13
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 9)
Subject: Eliot School Draft Design Guidelines Page 4
Page iiiEliot Comunity Center Site Reuse Study Design Guidelines
Acknowledgements
To Be Added
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 9)
Subject: Eliot School Draft Design Guidelines Page 5
Idaho AvenueHampshire AvenueCedar Lake RoadStudy Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 9)
Subject: Eliot School Draft Design Guidelines Page 6
Page 1DRAFT Eliot Comunity Center Site Reuse Study Design Guidelines
1. Introduction
Purpose & Use of Design Guidelines
The purpose of these design guidelines is to provide clearer and proactive guidance for the future reuse and
redevelopment of the Eliot School/Community Center site. In February 2010, the St. Louis Park School District
decided to close the Eliot Community Center facility and prepare to put the property up for sale. Through
discussions between the City and the School District, the City determined that more specific community
input was needed for this site to ensure that its future use and development would be compatible with the
City’s goals, School District’s goals, and the neighborhood’s concerns and desires.
These design guidelines are intended to be a tool for the community, the Planning Commission, and the
City Council to assist in planning, designing, and evaluating future development proposals for this site.
While good design cannot be explicitly regulated, it should not be left to chance either. Design guidelines
are a proactive tool for communicating the community’s vision for reuse of this site in ways that meet the
community’s goals and are sensitive to the site’s existing context. The design guidelines provide direction
while leaving room for individual expression and flexibility that is needed as part of the redevelopment
process and for creating a varied and dynamic built environment.
These site reuse guidelines consist of site reuse principles, site design guidelines, and building design
guidelines. The site reuse principles embody the community’s general desires and intentions for future
reuses of this site. The principles provide the big picture view and a means for guiding and evaluating future
efforts to reuse this site. The more detailed design guidelines address two levels – site and building. The
design guidelines are intended to support, enable and encourage attainment of the site reuse principles. The
site design guidelines address the following site level considerations:
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 9)
Subject: Eliot School Draft Design Guidelines Page 7
Page 2 DRAFT Eliot Comunity Center Site Reuse Study Design Guidelines
Land use and development density »
Open space »
Setbacks »
Vehicular access and circulation »
Parking »
Traffic »
Pedestrian circulation »
Stormwater »
Landscaping and buffering »
Regulatory process »
The building design guidelines address the following building level considerations:
Massing and placement »
Height »
Frontage and articulation »
The City’s zoning code regulations and land use guidance have legal standing related to future redevelopment
on the site. Planned unit development (PUD) applications that are consistent with these design guidelines
and are approved by the City Council will form the basis for formal agreements with a successful developer
in the future. The zoning code takes precedence in cases where minimum requirements are not stated in this
document but are otherwise defined in the zoning code.
Neighbors, prospective developers, and other interested parties should consult these guidelines and consider
them as additional criteria reviewed on and commented on by neighborhood and City representatives in the
course of an open, iterative public process. The guidelines are not, however, legally mandated requirements
that must be met in order to obtain project approvals. They depict preferred conditions and represent the
best case conditions for redevelopment. As such they are the foundation of dialogue with development
interests and will influence development on the affected parcels.
Planning Process
The Eliot School/Community Center Site Reuse Study was initiated in May 2010 as a collaborative planning
effort between the City and the School District. City Staff involvement included Meg McMonigal and Adam
Fulton, Planning & Zoning, and Marney Olson, Community Liaison. School District involvement included
Larry Shapiro and Jim Yarosh, School Board members, and Sandy Salin, Director of Business Services. The
City contracted with a consultant team, Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. (HKGi), to lead the reuse study and
facilitate a community and stakeholder input process that would guide the study’s recommendations. The
site reuse study included site analysis, a community involvement process, exploration of site reuse concepts,
and the creation of site reuse design guidelines. The reuse study occurred from May to October 2010.
The community involvement process involved establishing a site reuse study task force, conducting task
force meetings, and facilitating two (2) community meetings. The site reuse study task force was established
with 20 members, including 15 residents, the Ward 4 City Council member, a Planning Commissioner, a
Parks & Recreation Commissioner, and two School District representatives. All residents that expressed their
interest in participating on the task force were invited to become task force members. The task force met
three times from June to August 2010.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 9)
Subject: Eliot School Draft Design Guidelines Page 8
Page 3DRAFT Eliot Comunity Center Site Reuse Study Design Guidelines
Working with the task force, the reuse study planning process consisted of the following steps:
Analyze existing site, including the property, building and neighborhood context1.
Conduct Community Meeting #1 2.
Establish task force and identify site reuse goals - Task Force Meeting #1 3.
Develop alternative reuse concepts to help identify site reuse principles - Task Force Meeting #24.
Develop draft set of site and building design guidelines – Task Force Meeting #35.
Review and adopt Eliot School/Community Center Site Design Guidelines6.
Two community meetings were held during the planning process – one at the beginning and one at
the end of the process. The first meeting was held on May 18, 2010 at the Eliot Community Center with
approximately 32 attendees. The purpose of this meeting was to provide an overview of the project, gather
residents’ ideas, concerns, and preferences regarding the future reuse of the site, and solicit participants for
the site reuse study task force. The second community meeting was held on _______________
with approximately ____ attendees. The purpose of this meeting was to present the draft site design
guidelines to the community and gain their feedback prior to finalizing the guidelines for adoption by the
City Council and School Board.
Existing Site Conditions and Context
Location within the Community
The Eliot School/Community Center site is located on the north side of Cedar Lake Road, between Hampshire
and Idaho Aves, in the Eliot neighborhood. The Eliot View neighborhood is located on the south side of Cedar
Lake Road. The site is located approximately ¼ mile east of the Louisiana Ave/Cedar Lake Road intersection
and approximately ½ mile south of I-394.
Existing Conditions
The site is approximately 4.3 acres and developed with a 74,000 sq. ft. school building that is two and three
stories in height. The rest of the site consists of surface parking areas and open space, including kids’ play
area, basketball court, and open field. The triangle open space area in front of the school and along Cedar
Lake Road contains a passive green space with mature trees and loop driveway for bus drop off purposes.
Existing vehicular access to the site is via the loop driveway (Cedar Lake Road and Hampshire Ave) and three
accesses on Idaho Avenue oriented to the surface parking areas.
The original portion of the school building was built in 1926, with the majority of it (85%) built in 1952. The
building has not been used by the School District as a traditional public school since 1971. Most recently,
nearly all of the building was by five private educational/academic users.
Neighborhood Context
The site is located on Cedar Lake Road which is a minor arterial street. Hampshire and Idaho Aves are local
streets. Sidewalks exist along Cedar Lake Road, Hampshire Ave, and Idaho Ave. Cedar Lake Road has two
bus routes running on it and designated bike lanes. The Franklin Ave trail is located just to the north of the
site, which connects from Hampshire Ave west to Louisiana Ave.
Directly surrounding the site is primarily single family detached residences with a church located across
Cedar Lake Road. Medium density residential, neighborhood commercial, park/open space, and the
Edgewood Industrial Park are located near the site. Three existing parks are located within ¼ mile of the site
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 9)
Subject: Eliot School Draft Design Guidelines Page 9
Page 4 DRAFT Eliot Comunity Center Site Reuse Study Design Guidelines
– Jersey Park, Hampshire Park/Otten Pond, and Northside Rotary Park. The site is located within convenient
walking distance (¼ mile) from the neighborhood commercial node at Cedar Lake Road & Louisiana Ave
and approximately one mile from the regional commercial center at Cedar Lake Road & Park Place Boulevard
(which includes the new West End retail and entertainment area).
City’s Existing Policy Framework
The City’s existing policy framework includes Vision St. Louis Park, Livable Community Principles, land use
goals, housing goals, and economic development/redevelopment goals, all part of the 2030 Comprehensive
Plan, which was updated and adopted in 2009. Each of the land use, housing, and economic development/
redevelopment goals is supported by a set of strategies, which are not listed below.
Vision St. Louis Park
The City Council adopted four major strategic directions to focus as the community’s vision:
St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged community. »
St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in environmental stewardship. We will increase environmental »
consciousness and responsibility in all areas of city business.
St. Louis Park is committed to providing a well-maintained and diverse housing stock. »
St. Louis Park is committed to promoting and integrating arts, culture, and community aesthetics in all City »
initiatives, including implementation where appropriate.
St. Louis Park’s Livable Community Principles
Walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods1.
Life-cycle housing choices2.
Higher density, mixed-use development3.
Human scale development4.
Transit-oriented development5.
Multi-modal streets and pathways6.
Preserved and enhanced natural environment7.
Attractive and convenient public gathering places8.
Public art, heritage and culture9.
Unique community and neighborhood identity10.
Comprehensive Plan Land Use Goals (most relevant)
Promote building and site design that is oriented toward creating an integrated, human scale, multi-modal »
transportation environment
Create a mix of residential land uses and housing types to increase neighborhood housing choices and the »
viability of greater neighborhood services through redevelopment or infill development
Preserve and enhance the livability and unique character of each neighborhood’s residential areas »
Comprehensive Plan Housing Goals (most relevant)
Explore traditional and non-traditional owner-occupied housing options »
Expand the mix of housing types »
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 9)
Subject: Eliot School Draft Design Guidelines Page 10
Page 5DRAFT Eliot Comunity Center Site Reuse Study Design Guidelines
Promote higher density housing near transit corridors »
Encourage more large homes for families »
Promote and facilitate more housing options for seniors »
Comprehensive Plan Economic Development & Redevelopment Goals (most
relevant)
Encourage redevelopment projects that fulfill the City’s Vision and meet other community goals »
Also, the City has established 17 Redevelopment Assistance Objectives for redevelopment projects »
Land Use Plan
The City’s land use plan map currently guides this property for Civic land uses.
Zoning Code
The City’s current zoning map designates this property as R-2 (Single Family Residence District).
Neighborhood Input
To be added following the second Community Meeting, which is anticipated to happen in September or
October 2010.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 9)
Subject: Eliot School Draft Design Guidelines Page 11
Page 6 DRAFT Eliot Comunity Center Site Reuse Study Design Guidelines
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 9)
Subject: Eliot School Draft Design Guidelines Page 12
Page 7DRAFT Eliot Comunity Center Site Reuse Study Design Guidelines
1. Mix of Medium Density Residential Land Uses
Future land uses should be a mix of at least two medium density residential uses that contribute to the
community’s long-term goal of being a livable community with a variety of lifecycle housing options and
leverage the site’s location and proximity to transit, parks, trails, bike routes, and commercial areas
2. Transition Building Heights across the Site from South to North
Concentrate taller and higher density buildings on southern half of site toward Cedar Lake Road and locate
lower buildings on the northern half of the site
3. Complement Existing Development Scale and Character
Building form, scale, placement and massing should be sensitive to the scale and character of the
surrounding homes
4. Neighborhood Open Space
Reuse of the site should incorporate open space that is located along a public street, visible to the public,
and ideally allows public access
5. Community Landmark and Neighborhood Gateway
Reflect the site’s role as a long-time community landmark and Eliot neighborhood gateway on Cedar Lake
Road by preserving the mature trees and enhancing triangular open space area fronting on Cedar Lake
Road
6. Neighborhood Connectivity
Support neighborhood connectivity by incorporating an east-west pedestrian connection through the site
7. Redevelopment Feasibility
Reuses of the site should achieve a reasonable financial return for the School District balanced with the
appropriate fit with the City’s goals and these reuse principles
8. Owner-Occupied Housing
Owner occupied housing is preferred, however, assisted living services could be an accessory use to an
owner-occupied senior housing development
2. Site Reuse Principles
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 9)
Subject: Eliot School Draft Design Guidelines Page 13
Page 8 DRAFT Eliot Comunity Center Site Reuse Study Design Guidelines
9. School Building Reuse
There is neither strong community preference nor opposition to reusing the existing school building;
however, future developers are encouraged to evaluate the condition of the building to determine the
possibilities of reuse for residential units
10. Interim Property Maintenance
It is important for the property owner to keep the site and building properly maintained and in safe condition
prior to and during redevelopment construction
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 9)
Subject: Eliot School Draft Design Guidelines Page 14
Page 9DRAFT Eliot Comunity Center Site Reuse Study Design Guidelines
A. Land use and development density
Reuse of the site should be guided for Medium Density Residential development allowing a net residential
density from six (6) to 30 dwelling units per acre or between 26 and 129 dwelling units on the Eliot School
property.
Residential development should include a minimum of two types of residential land uses that expand
the variety of lifecycle housing options in the neighborhood. Potential housing types are single family,
townhome and multi-family.
Redevelopment of the property is envisioned as a single complementary development consisting of two
housing areas. The southern area is to be higher density than the northern area of the property reflecting
its location on Cedar Lake Road and the scale and massing of the existing Eliot Community Center building.
The northern area is envisioned as lower density than the southern area reflecting the local street frontages
and surrounding single family residences.
Taller buildings should be located on the southern half of the site and transition down to lower buildings
on the northern half of the site.
Civic or institutional buildings, such as a community center, place of worship, senior activity center, or
educational facility, would also be appropriate on the south half of the site.
Use of the small remnant piece of the Eliot School property located east of Hampshire Avenue should be
determined in conjunction with redevelopment of the site. The remnant land currently contains a small
parking lot. Potential uses include, but are not limited to, guest parking for the future redevelopment,
parking for the church located south of Cedar Lake Road or sale to the adjoining residential property owner
to the east.
B. Open space
The triangular green space along Cedar Lake Road should be preserved and enhanced to reflect the site’s
history as a community landmark and Eliot neighborhood gateway. Regardless of whether or not the
existing school building is reused, this green space should continue to be a landmark that remains generally
as open space. This open space should not be used for parking.
It is encouraged that some open space on the site be oriented to the street, rather than enclosed between
the buildings, to enhance the visual character of the site’s redevelopment from adjacent homes and the
street.
Although public open space is not planned for this sites, recreational open space is encouraged on the site
since this school site has historically had open space that was accessible to the neighborhood. Open space
on the site should be privately owned and operated. Public access to the open space, as appropriate, is
encouraged.
3. Site Design Guidelines
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 9)
Subject: Eliot School Draft Design Guidelines Page 15
Page 10 DRAFT Eliot Comunity Center Site Reuse Study Design Guidelines
Site Design Diagram
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 9)
Subject: Eliot School Draft Design Guidelines Page 16
Page 11DRAFT Eliot Comunity Center Site Reuse Study Design Guidelines
C. Setbacks
Building(s) fronting onto Cedar Lake Road should have a setback from Cedar Lake Road similar to that of the
existing school building and achieving requirements of the zoning code.
Building(s) should generally complement the setbacks of existing buildings from Hampshire Ave., Idaho
Ave., and the northern property line.
D. Vehicle access and circulation
Current conditions: Today the site has one access point on Cedar Lake Road, one on Hampshire Ave, and
three on Idaho Ave. Cedar Lake Road is a designated A Minor Arterial (major roadway) and Hampshire
Ave. and Idaho Ave. are local streets. All three streets are under the City’s jurisdiction.Vehicle access points
to the site should be located on Hampshire Ave and/or Idaho Ave rather than Cedar Lake Road. Driveways
for individual housing units should generally be located internally, accessed by shared driveways, to reduce
impact of and visibility from adjacent homes and the street, with the exception of single-family detached
houses.
Vehicle circulation within the site should not create a direct connection that has the potential for attracting
cut-through traffic.
E. Parking
Provide adequate parking on site for residents and guests to minimize the need for on-street parking. The
provision of parking spaces will meet the requirements for residential land uses as defined by the City’s
zoning code and/or independently commissioned studies.
Parking for residents shall be provided in garages or below the building(s). Guest parking could be provided
in the form of surface parking areas.
Surface parking for building(s) fronting onto Cedar Lake Road should be located on the north side of the
building(s) so that they are generally not visible from Cedar Lake Road.
Off-street surface parking areas should be located internally on the site and visually buffered from public
streets.
Landscaping in surface parking lots should follow the guidelines defined in the zoning code.
F. Traffic
New traffic generated as a result of site redevelopment will be limited by development density restrictions.
Additional traffic analysis may be required, contingent upon land use and density.
G. Pedestrian circulation
Sidewalks should be retained and enhanced on all three streets in conjunction with redevelopment.
A publicly accessible, landscaped mid-block pedestrian connection should be provided to enable an
east-west connection between Hampshire Ave. and Idaho Ave. .Design of this pathway is encouraged to
be a meandering route rather than simply a straight east-west route to create an aesthetically pleasing
neighborhood amenity. The width of this pedestrian connection and mid-block open space could be
designed to provide a visual break and transition space between the northern and southern development
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 9)
Subject: Eliot School Draft Design Guidelines Page 17
Page 12 DRAFT Eliot Comunity Center Site Reuse Study Design Guidelines
areas if appropriate.
H. Stormwater
Site related stormwater runoff should be managed to meet the City’s required on-site water storage and
water quality requirements using best management practices (BMPs) as identified in the City’s Subdivision
Code, such as rain gardens, detention/treatment basins, pervious pavements, and green roofs.
I. Landscaping and buffering
Landscape and/or architectural buffering should be incorporated into redevelopment for adjacent properties
to the north.
Appropriate landscaping, including street trees, should be provided along Hampshire Ave. and Idaho Ave.
Existing mature trees should be preserved where feasible.
J. Regulatory process
The rezoning and development approach should be commensurate with the Medium Density Residential
(6 – 30 housing units per acre) land use designation.
Replatting of land at time of development should include dedication of the southeast corner of property as
public right-of-way for Hampshire Ave.
Park dedication should be received as cash in lieu of land since public park land is not planned in this area.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 9)
Subject: Eliot School Draft Design Guidelines Page 18
Page 13DRAFT Eliot Comunity Center Site Reuse Study Design Guidelines
4. Building Design Guidelines
A. Massing and placement
The greatest building mass should be located in the southern half of the site in the general vicinity of the
existing school building. The goal is to allow a greater building mass nearer to Cedar Lake Road since the
existing building is a larger building mass and Cedar Lake Road is an arterial street with higher traffic levels
and transit services.
Placement of buildings should relate to the north-south streets (Hampshire and Idaho Aves.) rather than
the diagonal alignment of Cedar Lake Road. Building(s) on the southern half of the site should not be
located parallel to Cedar Lake Road.
B. Height
Building heights in the southern half of the site should be a minimum of two stories and up to five stories.
The Eliot School Site Reuse Taskforce’s preference is for lower building heights, if possible.
Depending upon the actual placement and size of the building(s) on the southern half of the site, stepbacks
for upper floors (above three stories) may be desirable. For example, if a portion of the building is located
further north than the existing school building, stepbacks of the 4th and 5th floors are recommended.
Building heights in the northern half of the site should be two or three stories.
A variety of heights for both the taller and lower buildings is preferable to soften the overall scale of the
new development and prevent a cookie-cutter look. Taller building(s) should be oriented toward Cedar
Lake Road. For the taller building(s), it is preferable to have multiple heights rather than a uniform height.
The existing school building is a mix of two and three stories. This approach also enables building heights
to be concentrated at the appropriate locations while maintaining lower heights at the edges closest to the
existing single-family residences.
C. Frontage and articulation
Building façade “fronts” should face existing public streets, where possible.
Building(s) on the southern half of the site should have a frontage toward Cedar Lake Road, including a
clearly visible pedestrian entrance to the building, since this site has historically had a landmark building
and open space fronting onto Cedar Lake Road.
Building utility areas, e.g. electrical and trash should not be located with direct visibility from any public
street.
Building frontages facing public streets should include entries and direct sidewalk connections to the
existing public sidewalks.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 9)
Subject: Eliot School Draft Design Guidelines Page 19
Page 14 DRAFT Eliot Comunity Center Site Reuse Study Design Guidelines
Building Design Diagram
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 9)
Subject: Eliot School Draft Design Guidelines Page 20
Page 15DRAFT Eliot Comunity Center Site Reuse Study Design Guidelines
Building frontages facing public streets should have facade articulation that reflects the presence of
individual housing units within the building, reduces building mass and scale, and enlivens the street
environment.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 9)
Subject: Eliot School Draft Design Guidelines Page 21
Meeting Date: September 13, 2010
Agenda Item #: 10
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Liquor License Application - El GordoUno, Inc. Historical Information.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
No formal action required. Based on the unique prior history on the applicant, this report is
designed to provide historical information to assist Council with consideration of the application
from El GordoUno, Inc., 8140 Highway 7 for an on-sale intoxicating liquor license with Sunday
sales scheduled for a public hearing on September 20, 2010.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Does the council need any other historical information on this matter?
BACKGROUND:
The City received an application from El GordoUno, Inc. who has reapplied for an on-sale
intoxicating liquor license with Sunday sales operating at 8140 Highway 7. The formal public
hearing will take place at the September 20, 2010 City Council Meeting.
The premise to be licensed consists of a small storefront located in the Knollwood Mall with seating
for approximately 83 people. Mr. Alguizar is the sole officer and the establishment has been in
operation by Mr. Alguizar since January 2008 and is open for daily business serving Mexican food.
Attached to this report is information to provide Council with the relevant history to the prior
application for a liquor license in 2009 from this applicant. The liquor license was denied by
Council on November 2, 2009 by Resolution No. 09-162 (attached). Pursuant to MN Statutes
364.05 and Resolution No. 09-162, the applicant is allowed to reapply for the liquor license on or
after the completion of probation on June 25, 2010; and all competent evidence of rehabilitation
presented will be considered upon reapplication, including, but not limited to, whether or not Mr.
Alguizar has been convicted of any additional liquor-related or other crimes relating to his fitness to
hold a liquor license. MN Statutes 364.03 Sub. 2 states that if a conviction is more than one year
old, the lapse in time “may” be sufficient evidence of rehabilitation but it is not conclusive evidence.
Next Steps
At the public hearing on September 20, 2010 and in accordance with due process, Council will
receive the information related to the current application.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
The fees for new liquor licenses include $500 of non-refundable investigation fee and a yearly fee of
$8,200 for on-sale intoxicating and Sunday liquor licenses.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 10) Page 2
Subject: Liquor License Application - El GordoUno, Inc. Historical Information.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
Not applicable.
Attachments: Past Historical Data on applicant
Excerpts from Minutes of November 2, 2009
Resolution No. 09-162
City and State Regulations
Prepared by: Nancy Stroth, City Clerk
Reviewed by: Nancy Deno Gohman, Deputy City Manager
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 10) Page 3
Subject: Liquor License Application - El GordoUno, Inc. Historical Information.
History of Liquor Applicant Baldomero Valenzo Alguizar
May 2008 - first application received from Mr. Alguizar for a liquor license. From the findings of
the background investigation, the police department concerns included the applicant’s false
information regarding convictions and discrepancies in the applicant’s correct name.
June 25, 2008 - Police Sergeant Garland and City Clerk met with applicant for additional
questioning and to discuss aspects of the police background investigation. Applicant indicated to
police that he no longer drinks alcohol and completed a brief state mandated rehabilitation following
his fourth DWI.
June 26, 2008 – Disposition of convictions in which the applicant plead guilty resulted in gross
misdemeanors for malicious punishment of a child and interference with a 911 call. The sentence
required the applicant to serve two weekends in jail and perform 15 hours of community service. In
addition, the applicant was previously convicted in 2000 for a gross misdemeanor of driving when
his license was cancelled (IPS) and 4 misdemeanors of driving under the influence (DUI) between
1996 and 2001.
July 17, 2008 – Police Chief John Luse recommended denial of this liquor applicant based on the
misleading approach to the application process and because the concerns could be collectively viewed
to question the “good moral character” of the applicant. With the passing of time, the applicant was
told he could apply again and to be candid and forthright in the application process.
August 2008 - Mr. Alguizar withdraw his application for a liquor license at 8140 Highway 7.
June 30, 2009 - The City Clerk’s office received application for an on-sale intoxicating liquor license
from Mr. Alguizar and submitted information to the police dept for a background investigation.
The findings from the police report are as follows:
• Applicant’s legal name appears to be in order since the initial application.
• Applicant’s driving history has remained the same with no new violations since January
2005.
• Applicant’s criminal history remained the same with no new arrests or charges since
December 2007.
August 2009 – City Attorney reviewed new application.
October 5, 2009 – Special Study Session held for discussion of unique background investigation
findings for applicant.
November 2, 2009 – Public Hearing held and liquor license application denied
November 16, 2009 – Approval of Resolution No. 09-162 adopting findings of facts and decision
denying the application for an on-sale liquor license by El GordoUno, Inc.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 10) Page 4
Subject: Liquor License Application - El GordoUno, Inc. Historical Information.
Excerpts from November 2, 2009 City Council Minutes
6b. On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License with Sunday Sales – El GordoUno, Inc.
Ms. Gohman presented the staff report and stated the applicant previously withdrew his first
application in August 2008 based on police department concerns with the findings contained in the
background investigation. She indicated the City Council has reviewed this application in Study
Session and asked for additional information, which is contained in the agenda materials.
Mayor Pro Tem Sanger opened the public hearing.
Kate Becker, attorney for Mr. Alguizar, appeared before the City Council and stated the applicant is
the sole owner of the restaurant and Mr. Alguizar feels the liquor license would be a nice
accompaniment to offer his customers.
Baldomero Valenzo Alguizar stated he has supplied the City Council with an additional letter, dated
October 22, 2009, in support of his application and which is contained in the agenda materials.
Councilmember Paprocki requested further information regarding the applicant’s use of two last
names.
Mr. Alguizar stated in Mexico it is custom to use two last names, and Valenzo is his father’s last
name. He indicated that all his immigration papers and his diploma state Valenzo and not Alguizar;
however, both names are on his social security number.
Councilmember Basill stated the most concerning item he read in the staff report was the applicant’s
falsifying information about his prior convictions.
Councilmember Finkelstein noted the incident in December 2007 involving the applicant’s stepson
and stated it was his understanding that the applicant is on probation for two years.
Mr. Alguizar stated he is on probation until June 2010.
Councilmember Finkelstein requested the record reflect that Mr. Alguizar is currently on probation.
Mayor Pro Tem Sanger closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Omodt stated he agreed with the assessment of the Police Chief regarding the
applicant’s request and stated he will not be voting in favor of the request.
Mayor Pro Tem Sanger stated the legal standard for approving a liquor license includes a standard
that the applicant is of good moral character. She stated she has previously voiced her reservations,
including the fact that the applicant is on probation through June 2010. She added Mr. Alguizar’s
actions in 2007 seemed to indicate some disrespect for law enforcement; and when the City grants a
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 10) Page 5
Subject: Liquor License Application - El GordoUno, Inc. Historical Information.
Excerpts from November 2, 2009 City Council Minutes (continued)
liquor license, the City is trusting that the applicant will help the City enforce the laws, that
customers do not leave the premises intoxicated, and that minors are not served. She stated one of
Mr. Alguizar’s convictions is for interfering with a call to 911. She indicated she cannot support the
application at this time and would not want to revisit this application until Mr. Alguizar finishes his
probation.
Councilmember Paprocki stated he is also concerned about Mr. Alguizar’s past history and it raises
questions that must be dealt with. He stated it appears Mr. Alguizar has made positive progress
since the early 2000s, but felt that granting the liquor license would be premature. He stated he
would be in favor of directing staff to wait until the applicant’s probation has been completed and
allowing Mr. Alguizar to re-apply for the liquor license at that time.
Mr. Scott stated the City Council must decide if there is enough evidence to deny the license based
on the moral character of the applicant, as outlined in MN Statutes 364.05. He added if the City
Council denies the application, the motion should be to direct the City Attorney to prepare written
findings for denial for consideration at the November 16, 2009, Council meeting. He indicated
those findings would also address when the applicant could re-apply for the liquor license; the end of
the applicant’s probation period under his latest conviction could be used as a benchmark for re-
applying.
It was moved by Councilmember Paprocki, seconded by Councilmember Omodt, to deny the
application for an on-sale intoxicating liquor license with Sunday sales to El GordoUno, Inc., dba El
Gordo Mexican Restaurant located at 8140 Highway 7, and directing the City Attorney to prepare
written findings and decision denying the application for consideration at the November 16 Council
meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Sanger suggested a friendly amendment to the motion to state that in addition to
the applicant’s completion of probation, that the applicant shall have no further criminal charges or
liquor-related infractions at the time of his reapplication.
Councilmember Paprocki agreed to the friendly amendment to the motion.
Councilmember Omodt agreed to the friendly amendment to the motion.
Councilmember Finkelstein pointed out that if the City Council denies the applicant’s liquor license
until such time as he makes reapplication, it does not mean he will be automatically granted the
liquor license in the future.
The motion passed 6-0.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 10) Page 6
Subject: Liquor License Application - El GordoUno, Inc. Historical Information.
RESOLUTION NO. 09-162
RESOLUTION ADOPTING FINDINGS OF FACTS AND DECISION DENYING THE
APPLICATION FOR AN ON-SALE LIQUOR LICENSE BY EL GORDOUNO, INC
WHEREAS, on November 2, 2009, the St. Louis Park City Council met at its regularly
scheduled meeting to consider the application of El GordoUno, Inc. for an on-sale intoxicating
liquor license and on-sale Sunday liquor license; and
WHEREAS, the sole owner and officer of the Applicant, Baldomero V. Alguizar, and the
Applicant's attorney, Katherine E. Becker, were present, and the City Council conducted a public
hearing and heard testimony from them and any other interested persons wishing to speak at the
meeting; and
WHEREAS, having carefully considered the information submitted by the Applicant in
writing and at the public hearing, and contained in the staff report, including the City Clerk's
application materials and police department's background investigation, the Council makes the
following:
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. Applicant El GordoUno, Inc. is a Minnesota corporation.
2. Baldomero Valenzo Alguizar is the sole owner and officer of the Applicant corporation. His
date of birth is August 5, 1967.
3. In May of 2008, Mr. Alguizar filed an application on behalf of El GordoUno, Inc. for an on-
sale intoxicating liquor license for a restaurant located in the Knollwood Mall located at
8140 Highway 7 in St. Louis Park. Mr. Alguizar signed his name Baldomero Valenzo on all
documents relating to this Application despite the fact that his Minnesota driver's license is
issued to Baldomero Valenzo Alguizar.
4. As part of the 2008 Application, Mr. Alguizar was provided with and signed a document
captioned "Information Advisory and Authorization for Release of Information to Support
License Application" which advised him that failure to reveal required criminal information
would be considered falsification of the application and may be used as grounds for denial.
5. As part of the 2008 Application Mr. Alguizar answered "No" to the following question
relating to his personal information as the owner, officer and store manager of the Applicant:
Have you or your spouse ever been arrested or convicted for any misdemeanor, felony or
liquor law violation in this state or any other state?
6. The background investigation performed by the St. Louis Park Police Department as part of
the 2008 Application and the current Application revealed a criminal history for Mr.
Alguizar that lists associated names and possible aliases of "Baldomero Alguizar", "Baldomero
Valenzo Alguizar", "Baldo Valenzo" and "Baldomero Valenzo."
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 10) Page 7
Subject: Liquor License Application - El GordoUno, Inc. Historical Information.
(RESOLUTION NO. 09-162 continued)
7. Mr. Alguizar has the following criminal convictions:
Conviction Date Offense Conviction Level
11/20/1997 DWI Misdemeanor
08/03/2000 DWI Misdemeanor
12/22/2000 D.A.C. Gross Misdemeanor
07/3/2002 DWI Misdemeanor
06/26/2008 Malicious Punishment of Child Gross Misdemeanor
06/26/2008 Interference with 911 Call Gross Misdemeanor
The June 26, 2008 criminal convictions arose out of an arrest that occurred on December 9, 2007,
prior to the 2008 Application and was not revealed by Mr. Alguizar as part of that Application.
8. In July of 2008, Police Chief John Luse recommended denial of the 2008 Application based
upon the criminal history and Mr. Alguizar's misleading approach to the application process.
9. In August of 2008, Mr. Alguizar withdrew his application.
10. On June 30, 2009, Mr. Alguizar on behalf of El GordoUno, Inc. submitted a new
application for an on-sale liquor license at the same location. It is this 2009 Application that
is before the City Council.
11. In the 2009 Application the name on his Minnesota driver's license, Baldomero Valenzo
Alguizar, was used in all the application materials.
12. Mr. Alguizar is on probation for the June 26, 2008 convictions for Malicious Punishment of
a Child and Interference with 911 Call until June 25, 2010.
13. The criminal history of Mr. Alguizar directly relates to his ability, capacity and the fitness
required to sell alcoholic beverages in a responsible manner. The most recent gross
misdemeanor charge of interference with a 911 call raises questions about Mr. Alguizar's
ability to work with law enforcement in a cooperative manner, which is essential to proactive
enforcement of laws relating to the sale of liquor.
14. Mr. Alguizar's failure to initially disclose any of his four DWI convictions and 2007 arrest,
together with the use of a name different than on his driver's license, evidences a lack of the
honesty and moral character needed to operate an establishment that sells alcoholic
beverages. The City has limited resources to regulate license holders and must rely on a
licensee's candor and honesty to assure that establishments are responsibly and lawfully
operated.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 10) Page 8
Subject: Liquor License Application - El GordoUno, Inc. Historical Information.
15. The facts set forth above evidence that Mr. Alguizar, the sole shareholder, officer and
manager of the Applicant, does not have the good moral character necessary to ensure that
there would be no threat to the public interest and reasonable control of the sale of alcohol if
the license application were to be approved. The facts also enhance the danger of unsuitable
or illegal practices in connection with the sale of alcoholic beverages.
16. The City Council has considered all evidence of rehabilitation and has determined that there
is insufficient evidence of rehabilitation considering the serious nature of the criminal
history, the nature of the license sought, the failure to disclose convictions on the initial
license application and the fact that Mr. Alguizar is still on probation for the latest
conviction.
17. The Applicant is El GordoUno, Inc., not Mr. Alguizar individually. To the extent it applies
to a corporate application for a liquor license, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 364.05, the
Applicant is hereby notified that it can reapply for the license on or after the completion of
Mr. Alguizar's probation on June 25, 2010. All competent evidence of rehabilitation
presented will be considered upon reapplication, including, but not limited to, whether or
not Mr. Alguizar has been convicted of any additional liquor-related or other crimes relating
to his fitness to hold a liquor license.
18. Minnesota Statutes 364.06 contains the following complaint and grievance procedure: "Any
complaints or grievances concerning violations of sections 364.01 to 364.10 shall be
processed and adjudicated in accordance with the procedures set forth in chapter 14, the
Administrative Procedure Act."
19. The City Clerk's license file and the Police Department's file on El GordoUno, Inc. are
incorporated herein by this reference.
DECISION
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED By The City Council Of The City Of St.
Louis Park, that the application of El GordoUno, Inc. for an on-sale intoxicating liquor license and
on-sale Sunday liquor license is denied.
Adopted by the City Council November 16, 2009
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 10) Page 9
Subject: Liquor License Application - El GordoUno, Inc. Historical Information.
City Code Chapter 3 – Alcoholic Beverages
Sec. 3-65. Investigations.
(b) If the city council denies the applicant's request for a license due to the applicant's prior
conviction of a crime, the city council shall notify the applicant of the grounds and reasons for the
denial; the applicable complaint and grievance procedure as set forth in M.S.A. § 364.06; the earliest
date the applicant may reapply for a liquor license; and that all competent evidence of rehabilitation
will be considered upon reapplication.
Sec. 3-67. Information considered for license approval.
In determining whether a new or renewal license under this division shall be granted, the city
council shall consider the following in addition to conformity with state statutes and city ordinances:
(1) The investigative and staff report submitted by the police department and city clerk;
(2) Information received through the public hearing process;
(3) Whether the applicant has or will take affirmative action to minimize public safety
problems commonly associated with on-sale liquor establishments, including, but not
limited to, driving while intoxicated (DWI) drivers, illegal sale to minors, disturbing the
peace, etc.;
(4) The license application and any other relevant information.
Sec. 3-70. Ineligibility.
(a) No license under this division shall be issued to or held by any person who:
(3) Is not a citizen of the United States or a resident alien;
(5) Is not of good moral character and repute;
(7) Within five years of the license application, has been convicted of a felony or a willful
violation of a federal or state law or local ordinance governing the manufacture, sale,
distribution or possession for sale or distribution of an alcoholic beverage, and who cannot
show competent evidence under M.S.A. § 364.03 of sufficient rehabilitation and present
fitness to perform the duties of a licensee.
Sec. 3-71. Conditions of approval.
At the time a license under this division is issued, the city council may attach special conditions to
the approval of such license or permit based upon the nature of the business, the location of the
business and verified complaints, if any, to protect the health, safety, welfare and quietude of the
city, and ensure harmony with the location where the business is located. Violation of any of the
conditions shall be grounds for revocation of the license.
Study Session Meeting of September 13, 2010 (Item No. 10) Page 10
Subject: Liquor License Application - El GordoUno, Inc. Historical Information.
From the League of MN Cities Handbook
8. Grounds for denying a license
The following are common examples of reasons that may be sufficient grounds for denying a license.
This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of reasons. Before any of the following information is
used to deny a license, the city will need to make a finding of fact of the condition that exists and be
able to support that finding with evidence. When a city exercises discretion and acts in a quasi-judicial
manner when dealing with a license application, the courts will not overturn a city’s denial of a license
provided the city has a clear record supported by evidence justifying its actions. Failure to have a
finding of fact supported by evidence makes it easier for an unsuccessful applicant to claim his or her
due process rights were violated, and that the city acted arbitrarily and capriciously.
• The applicant does not comply with the prerequisites and conditions in the ordinance. The
prerequisites and conditions must be valid.
• The applicant is not of “good moral character,” and the license is for a profession or occupation
that affects the public health, safety, morals or general welfare. The ordinance does not need to
define “good moral character,” or phrases like “professional misconduct.” However, the city
cannot disqualify a person from a licensed occupation because of a prior conviction of a crime,
unless the crime directly relates to the occupation for which the person is seeking the license.
• Granting a license would be a menace to the safety, health, morals, and welfare of the public.
• There has been a material misrepresentation in the application.