HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019/06/24 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Study SessionAGENDA
JUNE 24, 2019
6:30 p.m. STUDY SESSION – Community room
Discussion items
1. 6:30 p.m. Future study session agenda planning
2. 6:35 p.m. Human rights commission work plan update
3. 7:20 p.m. Telecommunications advisory commission work plan update
8:05 p.m. Communications/updates (verbal)
8:10 p.m. Adjourn
Written reports
4. May 2019 monthly financial report
5. Update on Environmentally Preferred Purchasing Policy
6. FEMA – Community Rating System (CRS)
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.
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: June 24, 2019
Discussion item: 1
Executive summary
Title: Future study session agenda planning
Recommended action: The city council and city manager to set the agenda for the regularly
scheduled study session on July 8, 2019.
Policy consideration: Not applicable.
Summary: This report summarizes the proposed agenda for the regularly scheduled study
session on July 8, 2019. Also attached to this report is:
- Study session discussion topics and timeline
-Proposed topic for future study session discussion:
o Quarterly public forums at city council meetings - proposed by councilmember Rog
Financial or budget considerations: Not applicable.
Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable.
Supporting documents: Tentative agenda – July 8, 2019
Study session discussion topics and timeline
Study session topic proposed for future study session discussion
Prepared by: Debbie Fischer, Administrative Services Office Assistant
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 1) Page 2
Title: Future study session agenda planning
July 8, 2019.
5:30 p.m. Ribbon cutting @ Aquila softball fields
6:30 p.m. Study session – Community room
Tentative discussion items
1.Future study session agenda planning – Administrative services (5 minutes)
2.Efficient building program (benchmarking ordinance) update – Building and Energy (60
minutes)
The update for council on the benchmarking ordinance, now being called the Efficient
Building Program, will include information on what staff believes to be the proper
requirements to include in the ordinance, a timeline for completion, and anticipated costs.
Katie Jones from CEE will present information on the collaborative the city has been a part
of, and more about benchmarking activities and the value and benefits it can provide to
property owners and the community.
3.Proposed C1 zoning district retail and service use restrictions – Community development
(30 minutes)
Resume city council discussion on retail and service use size limitations in the C-1 zoning
district.
4.Platia Place revisions – Community development (30 minutes)
The developer may request PUD amendments for the apartment building on the west side
of the former Santorini restaurant site.
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.
Written reports
5.Update on the Louisiana Avenue Bridge project 4018-1700
End of meeting: 8:40 p.m.
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 1) Page 3
Title: Future study session agenda planning
Study session discussion topics and timeline
Discussion topic Comments Date Scheduled
Accessory dwelling units/home-
based businesses
SS discussion 6/10/2019. Referred to planning
commission. Staff to prepare ADU ordinance for pc
discussion Qtr. 3 2019. Home occupation based
businesses pc discussion Qtr. 4 2019 or Qtr. 1 2020
Qtr. 4 2019 and
Qtr. 2 2020
Revitalization of Walker Lake
area
Part of preserving Walker building reports: 8/28/17,
9/25/17, 1/22/18, design study 2/12/18, update
4/23/18, design study update 8/27/18; SS report
2/11/19; SS discussion 5/28/19, planning commission
to review ordinances for implementation Qtr. 3 and
Qtr. 4 2019
Qtr. 4 2019
C-1 zoning district retail and
service use restrictions
Discussed on 6/11/18; referred to PC. Discussed
11/26/18; SS report 2/25/19; Discussed 3/11/19 –
further discussion requested by council
July 8, 2019
Election holiday discussion 3rd Qtr.
Crime free
ordinance/affordable housing
strategies
Discussed 5/14/18. 1st reading housing trust fund
10/1/18; Other affordable housing strategies/Crime
Free Ordinance – Nov/Dec, 12/10 and 12/17/18 and
1/14/19 council discussion; Certain provisions of
crime free ord. suspended; Work group being formed;
CFO work group discussed on 3/25/2019; Work group
had first meeting in May; Next meetings in June
TBD; Pending
workgroup
recommendation
Immigration & supporting
families
Discussed 8/6 and referred to HRC. HRC held comm.
mtg. in Oct. Council/HRC discussion on 12/10; referred
back to HRC for refinement of recommendations
TBD
Discuss and evaluate our public
process TBD
Easy access to nature, across
city, starting with low-income
neighborhoods
TBD
One-for-one replacement
policy for NOAH properties TBD
STEP discussion: facilities
Discussed on 1/14/19; Tom H, Derek R. and Astein O.
toured the Central Community Center and are
continuing discussions
TBD
Westwood Hills Nature Center
Access Fund *On hold pending discussion with school district. *On hold
SEED’s community greenhouse/
resilient cities initiative
*On hold until Food Access and Security study is
complete and recommendations have been made. *On hold
Discuss Council Norms Reviewed on 5/7/18; adoption postponed on 5/21/18.
Discussed at Jan. Retreat; discussed on 3/18/19
Ordinance regarding home
occupations (Firearm sales)
Discussed 5/21/18 & 7/23. Written report provided at
9/24 study session. PC currently reviewing ordinance
options. Policy on city facilities adopted 10/15.
Approved 6/17/2019
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 1) Page 4
Title: Future study session agenda planning
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: June 24, 2019
Discussion item: 2
Executive summary
Title: Human Rights Commission 2019 Work Plan
Recommended action: Discuss the annual work plan with the representative(s) of the Human
Rights Commission.
Policy consideration: Does the annual work plan address strategic priorities of the city council,
comprehensive plan goals and Human Rights Commission duties?
Summary: The complete Human Rights Commission annual work plan is attached for Council
review. There are two commission initiated items identified with more to be added following a
Commission retreat (tentatively scheduled for July 20th) where HRC direction will be further
developed. The purpose of the Human Rights Commission is to advise city council on how to
ensure equal opportunity and participation in City services and decision making. The initiatives
identified are:
•Redefine the role and purpose of the Human Rights Commission, Review and revise
Bylaws through a facilitated retreat.
•Revisit the Human Rights Commission materials, including website, after redefining our
purpose.
Overview of the substance of the work plan was shared with the city council at the February 25,
2019, annual meeting of boards and commissions.
Financial or budget considerations: None.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in racial equity
and inclusion in order to create a more just and inclusive community for all.
Supporting documents: Human Rights Commission annual work plan
Prepared by: Darius Gray, Community Organizer
Reviewed by: Alicia Sojourner, Racial Equity Manager
Nancy Deno, Deputy City Manager
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Board and Commission
Annual Workplan
Approved: November 19, 2018
Updated: 4/16/19
1
Work Plan Template│ Human Rights Commission
City of St. Louis Park Strategic Priorities
1.St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in racial equity and inclusion in order to create a more just and inclusive community for all.
2.St. Louis Park is committed to continue to lead in environmental stewardship.
3.St. Louis Park is committed to providing a broad range of housing and neighborhood oriented development.
4.St. Louis Park is committed to providing a variety of options for people to make their way around the city comfortably, safely and reliably.
5.St. Louis Park is committed to creating opportunities to build social capital through community engagement
OR Other
Time
Frame
Initiative Strategic
Priorities
Purpose
(see page 2 for definitions)
Outcome (fill in after
completed)
April -
September
2019
Redefine the role and purpose of the
Human Rights Commission, Review and
revise Bylaws through a facilitated
retreat
☒New Initiative
☐Continued
Initiative
☐Ongoing
Responsibility
☒1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3
☐4 ☐ 5
☐N/A
☒Commission Initiated Project
☐Council Initiated Project
☐Report Findings (council requested)
☐Formal Recommendation (council
requested)
October –
December
2019
Revisit the Human Rights Commission
materials, including website, after
redefining our purpose
☒New Initiative
☐Continued
Initiative
☐Ongoing
Responsibility
☒1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3
☐4 ☐ 5
☐N/A
☒Commission Initiated Project
☐Council Initiated Project
☐Report Findings (council requested)
☐Formal Recommendation (council
requested)
☐New Initiative
☐Continued
Initiative
☐Ongoing
Responsibility
☐1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3
☐4 ☐ 5
☐N/A
☐Commission Initiated Project
☐Council Initiated Project
☐Report Findings (council requested)
☐Formal Recommendation (council
requested)
☐New Initiative
☐Continued
Initiative
☐Ongoing
Responsibility
☐1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3
☐4 ☐ 5
☐N/A
☐Commission Initiated Project
☐Council Initiated Project
☐Report Findings (council requested)
☐Formal Recommendation (council
requested)
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 2)
Title: Human Rights Commission 2019 Work Plan
Page 2
Board and Commission
Annual Workplan
Approved: November 19, 2018
Updated:
2
Purpose: definitions
Modifications:
Work plans may be modified, to add or delete items, in one of three ways:
•Work plans can be modified by mutual agreement during a joint work session.
•If immediate approval is important, the board or commission can work with their staff liaison to present a modified work plan for city
council approval at a council meeting.
•The city council can direct a change to the work plan at their discretion.
•Project initiated by the board or commission
Commission Initiated Project
•Project tasked to a board or commission by the city council
Council Initiated Project
•Initiated by the city council
•Board and commission will study a specific issue or topic and report its findings or comments to the city council in
writing
•No direct action is taken by the board/commission
Report Findings
•Initiated by the city council
•Board and commission will study a specific issue or topic and makes a formal recommendation to the city council on
what action to take
•A recommendation requires a majoirty of the commissioners' support
Formal Recommandation
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 2)
Title: Human Rights Commission 2019 Work Plan Page 3
Board and Commission
Annual Workplan
Approved: November 19, 2018
Updated:
3
Parking Lot
Items that are being considered by the board/commission but not proposed in the annual work plan. Council approval is needed if the
board/commission decides they would like to move forward with an initiative.
Initiative Comments:
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 2)
Title: Human Rights Commission 2019 Work Plan Page 4
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: June 24, 2019
Discussion item: 3
Executive summary
Title: Telecommunications advisory commission (TAC) update
Recommended action: Provide feedback to the telecommunications advisory commission
about proposed changes to the commission name, mission and work plan.
Policy consideration: Will the proposed change to the mission, work plan and name of the
telecommunications advisory commission support the city council and the city in achieving
progress in the city’s five strategic priorities?
Summary: At the February 2019 joint meeting with city council, the telecommunications
advisory commission was encouraged to reconsider its mission and expand its scope beyond
telecommunications. In early May, several members of the TAC and city staff participated in a
workshop, facilitated by Lexico Consulting, to discuss the mission and goals of the commission.
Workshop results were further refined by TAC members in early June, resulting in the
information contained in this report.
Financial or budget considerations: Costs may be associated with outreach and education
initiatives suggested by the TAC. It’s expected that the city’s cable TV fund can support those
incidental costs. Any future major initiatives recommended by the commission may result in
more significant budget implications.
Strategic priority consideration: The TAC believes its proposed, expanded mission can help
support and advance all of the city’s strategic priorities.
Supporting documents: Discussion
May 7 workshop summary and insights (Lexico Consulting)
June 11 unofficial meeting minutes
Prepared by: Jacque Smith, Communications and Marketing Manager
Reviewed by: Clint Pires, Chief Information Officer
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 3) Page 2
Title: Telecommunications advisory commission (TAC) update
Discussion
Background: At the February 2019 joint meeting with city council, the telecommunications
advisory commission was encouraged to reconsider its mission and expand its scope beyond
telecommunications. In early May, several members of the TAC and city staff participated in a
workshop, facilitated by Lexico Consulting, to discuss the mission and goals of the commission.
Workshop results were further refined by TAC members in early June, resulting in the
information contained in this report.
The commission settled on the following proposed name change, mission and work plan items.
Name change
The commission suggests the name “community technology advisory commission,” or CTAC, to
replace the telecommunications advisory commission name. Community technology describes
the broader scope of the commission’s desired new direction.
It discards the term “telecommunications” that is very narrow in focus and no longer describes
the commission’s work. The bulk of cable TV franchise administration and oversight is managed
by staff along with attorneys and consultants, and has diminished significantly since the
commission was created in the mid-1980s. Staff will continue this work with check-in as needed
with the commission and with the city council.
Mission
From information gathered at its workshop with Lexico Consulting, the commission settled on
the mission statement, “Advise and collaborate with the city council and boards and
commissions on the application and use of technology for the purpose of improving city
services and quality of life for St. Louis Park’s citizens, businesses and visitors.”
Work plan
The commission proposes the following work plan items.
•Establish committees to research technologies, providers, implementation issues and
risks.
•Produce a quarterly report for the city council of relevant technology activities and
advances.
•Produce final reports on completed commission activities, with recommendations for
consideration by other commissions or by the city council.
•Increase community engagement at commission meetings. Determine methods for
informed public input on activities and priorities. This may include meetings outside city
hall to include more community members.
•Enhance the commission’s presence on the city website.
•Connect with similar commissions from other agencies.
•Attend meetings of other city boards and commissions to learn how technology might
help their activities and related city services.
•Provide analysis of proposed or considered technology for the community and city
operations and provide recommendations and feedback to staff, the city council and
other commissions.
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 3) Page 3
Title: Telecommunications advisory commission (TAC) update
Present considerations: The commission is especially interested in hearing from council
members on how it might most effectively interact with the council to advise them on various
technologies. The commission suggests that appointing a council member as liaison to the
commission would help with efficient communications and discussion.
Next steps: If the council agrees with the direction of the commission, these are the next steps
for the commission:
•Hold a study session July 10 to determine what work plan items can be accomplished in
2019 and recommend suggested changes to the enabling section of the City Code
establishing the commission, and approve bylaws that will reflect the new direction of
the commission.
•Provide its plans to the city council through a study session report in late July.
•Once activities are defined and approved by the commission, committees will begin
work and report quarterly on activities.
Strategic Visioning
Proprietary & Confidential 1
COMMISSION OF THE FUTURE
Visioning & Planning Work Session
Summary & Insights
Session held:
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
6:00 - 9:00 pm
Goal: Explore and align on Commission’s
focus and contribution.
Focus:
● Explore big thinking and opportunities
● Develop list of priorities and structure
ideas
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 3)
Title: Telecommunications advisory commission (TAC) update Page 4
Strategic Visioning
Proprietary & Confidential 2
Attendees:
Abe Levine
Bruce Browning
Maren Anderson
Cindy Hoffman
Rolf Peterson
Yohan Davis
Jacque Smith
Clint Pires
Jermaine Wheeler
Session Agenda:
Welcome and Introductions
STEP 1: Reflection: What have we learned?
Activity: Keep, Change, Let Go
STEP 2: Value Exploration: Where can we provide the
most value?
Activity: Telecommunications exploration and
alignment to city priorities
STEP 3: Vision Definition: What can we do in these
areas?
Activity: Write our success stories
STEP 4: Path Ahead: How do we get there?
Activity: Build the pitch! Designing the future
state
Reflection & Next Steps
Key takeaways from the day
Shared vision and direction /mission goals
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 3)
Title: Telecommunications advisory commission (TAC) update Page 5
Strategic Visioning
Proprietary & Confidential 3
TOP TAKEAWAYS
THEMES:
1.The group is unanimously in favor of evolving the focus, purpose, engagement and name of the
current Commission.
2.Letting go of focus on cable and expanding to broader application of technology is top priority
3.More engagement with the community and citizens, while maintaining advisory role to the Council in
a more proactive manner is bedrock to engagement model recommended moving forward
4.Top surfaced topics/sentiments: Digital equity, access, affordability, safety, mobility & improving
people’s lives.
5.Committed, passionate group, as well as education and opportunities to stay ahead of technology
advancements and their applications for making life better for St Louis Park citizens are the main
draws for membership and participation
6.Overhaul of innerworkings will need to be completed to realize vision, including by-laws, meeting
make-up, team profile and activation of advisory activities
7.Overarching sense of excitement for future plans.
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 3)
Title: Telecommunications advisory commission (TAC) update Page 6
Strategic Visioning
Proprietary & Confidential 4
MISSION STATEMENT STARTER: (DERIVED FROM “SUCCESS STORIES” ACTIVITY)
“We advise and collaborate with the City Council, Boards and Commissions on optimizing application
and utilization of technology to increase accessibility of information, education, connection and
mobility, for the purpose of improving the quality of life for St. Louis Park’s citizens.”
ENGAGEMENT STRUCTURE STARTER: (DERIVED FROM “SUCCESS STORIES” ACTIVITY)
Name: Applied Technology Advisory Commission
Group Profile: Cross-section of resident representatives (youth, older generations, different socio-economic
backgrounds), business representatives, technology experts, city staff liaisons.
Group Engagement: 3 areas of activity:
1.Community liaison - engages with community members with the intention of understanding
needs and opportunities
2.City Council, Boards and Commissions - initiated scheduled reviews to stay abreast of
initiatives in order to proactively structure topics of focus and study
3.Commission team
a.Ongoing education activities to stay abreast of applied technology for civic use
b.Rolling sub-committees for targeted needs/projects
c.Scheduled community outreach
Needed: Dedicated funding, committed team members and collaborators, defined engagement processes
NEXT STEP CONSIDERATIONS
1.Individual alignment sessions with Council and other Commissions to ensure reciprocal expectations
and needs alignment, garnering support through collaborative building of final vision. Co-design
from the beginning to ensure alignment, focus and support.
2.Overhaul of innerworkings will need to be completed to realize vision, including by-laws, meeting
make-up, team profile and activation of advisory activities. Develop roadmap for engagement model
and rollout.
3.Develop communication plan for internal and external contingencies
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 3)
Title: Telecommunications advisory commission (TAC) update Page 7
Strategic Visioning
Proprietary & Confidential 5
WORKSHOP RECAPS
SUMMARY: Reflection: What have we learned?
| Activity: Reflection
● How would you describe the purpose/role of the commission to date?
● What have we focused on and how have we engaged?
● What has motivated you to be involved?
What was said:
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 3)
Title: Telecommunications advisory commission (TAC) update Page 8
Strategic Visioning
Proprietary & Confidential 6
PURPOSE/ROLE
● Advise City Council
● Bring technological
knowledge to city
● Overview of new
technologies on city PPT’s
● Manage city cable franchise
● Oversee agreement
● Monitor service and
complaints
● Update residents on issues
● Manage interaction
between provider & city
● Ensure options for cable
● Monitor legislation
● Encourage tech-friendly
development and build out
● Stay informed for ParkTV
activities
FOCUS/ENGAGEMENT
● More options for the
community at large
● Not engaged by staff
● Searching for meaning
● New technologies
● Smart cities
● Listening to citizen feedback
● Cable TV customer service
● Explore additional cable
service options
● Staying aware of city/tech
developments
● Centurylink franchise
agreement
INVOLVEMENT
● The city & its history - want to
make SLP a better place to live
● Interested in future of tech &
how it will interact with city
● Opportunity to learn more and
be future-forward
● Dedicated group - inherent
need to be involved
● Public service - create tech-
friendly city
● Importance of communication
● In job description
● Interest in tech & educating
others in tech
● Enjoy working with dedicated
residents
● Learning new things
● I liked TV
● Public connection to staff
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 3)
Title: Telecommunications advisory commission (TAC) update Page 9
Strategic Visioning
Proprietary & Confidential 7
| Activity: Keep, Change, Let Go
What was said:
KEEP
● Listening to feedback
● Keep Advisory
● Interaction with City staff &
vendors (Verizon, US
Internet)
● Keep monitoring Legislation
● Main body and reason for
work
● Help city make right
decisions
● Collective oversight of
technology in the community
● Notifying Citizenship of
advancements and changes
CHANGE
● Increased engagement - staff +
commission - needs to happen
● More input to ideas
● Ensure public is reflected in
policies/programs
● Proactive not reactive
● Rethink meeting usage -
example customer complaints,
is that the right usage?
● Establish different types of
meetings for different topics
● Equity - spend time
LET GO
● Franchise Monitoring - step
back now
● Name of the Commission
OBSERVATIONS:
Alignment across group that it is time to evolve from past focuses.
Advisory and education roles seem high priority.
How does the group activate these roles? Calls for engagement process definition.
STEP 2: Value Exploration: Where can we provide the most value?
| Activity: Definition of Telecommunications
What was said:
GROUP 1
Definition: Connecting Through
Technology to provide the
following value
● Comms w/city
● Equity
● 5G
● Transportation
GROUP 2
Definition: Conveyance of
Information to provide the
following value
● Communicate across various
groups of people
● Mobility - web based services
available
● Smart car
GROUP 3
Definition: Technology to Foster
Communication to provide the
following value
● ABC - Access, bandwidth, Cost -
regardless of group
● Light rail transit
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 3)
Title: Telecommunications advisory commission (TAC) update Page 10
Strategic Visioning
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● Virtual mobility
● Tech to consumer
● Youth engagement
● Know services
● Smart buildings
● Web based services anywhere
● How does everyone receive
info w/wo technology
● Autonomous vehicles - what is
the city / commission’s role in
this change coming
● 2-way communication
Additional comments:
● Connecting people through technology
● Subset of everything we want to do
● Old fashioned “tele” sounds like “phone”
● Between people
● Use of Tech
● Telephone, TV, Internet
● Name: Technology Advisory Commission
● Name: Technology Advancement Commission
● Name: Digital Future Commission
| Activity: Align to City Strategic Priorities
What was said:
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 3)
Title: Telecommunications advisory commission (TAC) update Page 11
Strategic Visioning
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INCLUSION
St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in racial
equity and inclusion in order to create a more just and
inclusive community for all.
WHERE DOES TELECOMMUNICATIONS PLAY A
ROLE?
● Digital/Technological Equity - creating
opportunities for everyone regardless of race,
gender, etc
● Who has access? Access Bandwidth Cost (ABC)-
Learn data on ABC, options, resources
● Where to go to ask -> public Wi-Fi
● How do you communicate your tech concerns
● Communication between groups
● Create a form for discussing technology
disparities - where do you go?
MOBILITY:
St. Louis Park is committed to providing a variety of
options for people to make their way around the city
comfortably, safely and reliably.
WHERE DOES TELECOMMUNICATIONS PLAY A
ROLE?
● Foster smart growth
● Mobility in digital sense - helping all people
connect digitally
● Web-based services
● Available on all devices
● Smart cars communications with a structure
● Pay as you go
● 5G
● Should the city provide 5G, rent mobility physical
and virtual
● CRT
● Wi-Fi
● Security
● E-way finding
● LRT access - Wi-Fi for all LRT stations
● Electronic signage
● Wi-Fi access hotspots
● Allowing for technology to facilitate mobility -
ensure everyone can participate in new mobility
options that require tech
CLIMATE:
Supporting climate action plan strategies and goals
through planning, education, resources,
communication and implementation of programs and
initiatives.
WHERE DOES TELECOMMUNICATIONS PLAY A
ROLE?
● Helping mitigate/reverse climate change
ENGAGEMENT:
St. Louis Park is committed to creating opportunities to
build social capital through community engagement.
WHERE DOES TELECOMMUNICATIONS PLAY A
ROLE?
● Supporting youth and future generations
● Listening to youth voice at school, study session
at/during school
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 3)
Title: Telecommunications advisory commission (TAC) update Page 12
Strategic Visioning
Proprietary & Confidential 10
● Reduce impacts on environment
● Communications
● IoT
● Smart building heat/cooling, motion lights,
cameras, weather info
● Use tech to advance how we address climate
change issues
● Ways to conserve energy
● Consulting with youth, adults, seniors
● Access to council meetings
STEP 3: Vision Definition: What can we do in these areas?
| Activity: Write our success stories
Stories chosen as top 2 for each group, with associated votes:
6 VOTES
“Use vast knowledge base to educate the City Council on Tech.”
5 Votes
“We advocated for our citizens to ensure everyone in our city has an affordable connection to the
Internet.”
3 VOTES
“We wanted to improve access to transportation in the city and installed free 5G Wi-Fi access points at
the light rail station, and all bus stops, to improve and enhance accessibility for all residents.”
2 VOTES
“We made sure every learner had access to the technology they needed to be successful and achieve
their dreams.”
2 VOTES
“In 2021, we were able to use data to identify the digitally disadvantaged areas of the city and collaborate
with providers to improve ABC. “
0 VOTES
“As a result of work done by city personnel and the commission, we were able to place cameras, sound
detection (i.e. gunshot) backed by servers and Wi-Fi that reduced crime by 100% and provided high-
speed Wi-Fi across the city.”
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 3)
Title: Telecommunications advisory commission (TAC) update Page 13
Strategic Visioning
Proprietary & Confidential 11
Additional stories written:
Through smart city technology we introduced, we helped reduce the number of car accidents which
made our roads safer for all citizens.
The implementation of smart sensors around the city helped us to have more eco-friendly buildings,
streetlights and utilities so we can meet our climate goals and reduce our impact on the
environment.
The TAC worked cooperatively and proactively with other city boards and commissions to help… [did
not finish sentence]
The commission rewrote its bylaws and missions which resulted in the commission proactively…
[did not finish sentence]
As a result of information shared between the city and “smart” builds we reduced evening usage by
1000% and dropped the carbon footprint to zero.
As a result of cooperative work, we developed a comprehensive web-based suite of services from
the city including plow and bus tracking, traffic info, week(?) info and often real-image information,
thereby increasing quality of life.
We wanted to increase Internet availability to city residents.
In 2024, SLP’s LRT stations became hubs of economic vitality because we helped connect passengers
with healthcare services throughout the city.
Digital citizenship education for all ages (youth, adults, seniors) that highlighted technology tips for
cyber awareness every October. Benefits were it helped narrow the digital divide with the SLP
community by providing a platform to learn cyber hygiene.
Increase Citizen data privacy on Wi-Fi hotspot and public space/5G.
Create a technologically balanced city. No underserved area with inadequate tech for all
neighborhoods.
STEP 4: Path Ahead
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 3)
Title: Telecommunications advisory commission (TAC) update Page 14
Strategic Visioning
Proprietary & Confidential 12
| Activity: Build a Pitch! How we will engage
PITCH 1:
Name: Technology Advancement Group
What we do: Advise the council on beneficial tech for city and its residents.
Serve as a resource to city boards and Commission and improve the lives of
residents.
Who is Involved? City Council, other BDS and commissions, staff liaisons
Stakeholders represent diverse perspectives (youth, older generations)
How do we
engage?
Community outreach/digital citizen survey - what are people lacking/needing
Advocate for residents on data/cybersecurity
What’s needed to
be successful?
Money
Consultants
Open mind to new ideas
Open to new members
Stay focused on top level
PITCH 2
Name: Technology Advisory Commission
What we do: We proactively identify opportunities with technology to provide services which
improve quality of life for residents and general efficiency of city operations.
Who is Involved? Commission members, city liaisons, city departments, technology vendors,
universities and city stakeholders, City Council
How do we
engage?
Commission recommends candidate projects to City Council, City Council provides
feedback and clear direction
What’s needed to
be successful?
Technological knowledge
Conference support/attendance
IOT fuse ($50)
Focused subcommittees
Alignment with stakeholder needs (focus group)
Funding
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 3)
Title: Telecommunications advisory commission (TAC) update Page 15
Strategic Visioning
Proprietary & Confidential 13
City Council willingness to be educated (by TAC) and a process for doing so
PITCH 3
Name: Tech in the Park
What we do: Advise/educate City Council on technology
Advocate for all SLP citizens on technology
Who is Involved? Interested residents
City staff
Student/seniors (cross section of city: work from home, from office, business
leaders)
Industry reps/experts
How do we
engage?
Social media and traditional methods (advertising)
Public meetings in different places on a topic area (schools, senior centers)
Bring results to formal meeting with council, recommendation, inform
citizens
Hearings
What’s needed to
be successful?
Engagement from members & public, City Council buy in/commitment
OBSERVATIONS:
Repeated theme of needing support/commitment from Council in order to be successful.
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 3)
Title: Telecommunications advisory commission (TAC) update Page 16
1.Discuss the mission statement starter.
Levine started the meeting at 6:10 p.m. with some background on the visioning for the
Telecommunications Advisory Commission. Levine and Browning shared a document that they had
discussed with ideas for mission statements.
The commission decided on:
“Advise and collaborate with the city council and boards and commissions on the application and use of
technology for the purpose of improving city services and the quality of life for St. Louis Park’s citizens,
businesses and visitors.”
2.Discuss suggested names for TAC.
Discussion of advisory in the name. Telecommunications does seem outdated. Browning suggested
Community Technology Advisory Commission (CTAC). Levine said he didn’t have a strong opinion.
McHugh suggested Technology Equity Commission. Levine said he is trying to steer away from that;
seeing it as a point of view rather than factual. He doesn’t feel that equity is the commission’s job, it’s an
implementation detail that is up to the city. Pires said it’s very narrow and is part of the larger mission,
but doesn’t see it as defining the whole commission.
The commission decided on Community Technology Advisory Commission (CTAC). They decided they
were okay with including “advisory.”
3.Bylaw changes
Levine said we do need to look at bylaws. Pires offered several suggestions, as did other members.
Browning suggested that chair can serve more than one consecutive year. Smith said that rotating the
chair position allows for multiple commission members to have a leadership opportunity. Browning
asked about having a council member on the commission as a liaison. Pires said this used to be the case,
unfortunately in practice council members did not attend regularly so it was dropped. Browning would
like to bounce it off them; Pires said we can ask. He suggested council would then want to apply it to
every board and commission.
Does not have to be finalized by June 24. Browning suggested being at more meetings; Smith said
reports at study sessions are a good way to communicate information.
4.Next steps following June 24 meeting
•Hold study session to determine candidate activities such as the continuation of the Smart Cities
group or possibly subcommittees within that umbrella.
•Commission will publish their plans to the city council for information and comment.
•Commission suggests that city council appoint a liaison to the commission for more efficient
communication and discussion.
•Once activities are defined and approved, committees will begin work and report quarterly on
activities.
Page 17
Telecommunications Advisory Commission
Subgroup meeting
June 11, 2019
Preparation for June 24 meeting with the St. Louis Park City Council
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 3)
Title: Telecommunications advisory commission (TAC) update
5.Proposed work plan items
•Develop candidate commission activities.
•Establish committees to research technologies, providers, implementation issues and risks.
•Produce a quarterly report to the city council of activities and other items, like news on
technological advances.
•Produce final reports on completion of activities with recommendations for consideration.
•Increase community engagement at commission meetings
•Create a website similar to CTAB in Seattle.
•Interact with similar commissions from other entities as appropriate.
•Determine methods for informed public input on activities and priorities.
•Attend other commission’s meetings to find out how technology might aid their activities and
related city services.
•Provide analysis of proposed or considered technology for the city and provide
recommendations and feedback to the council or other commissions.
Homework for commission members:
•Find examples of what cities are doing.
Blessing suggested spending some time on how the commission will engage with the council on advising
them on various technologies. He also added that the intercommission cooperation piece is important
and a great opportunity.
Pires suggested staying at the big bowl level with council and tying items to the council’s five strategic
priorities.
Meeting finished at 7:20 p.m.
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 3)
Title: Telecommunications advisory commission (TAC) update Page 18
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: June 24, 2019
Written report: 4
Executive summary
Title: May 2019 monthly financial report
Recommended action: No action required at this time.
Policy consideration: Monthly financial reports are part of our financial management policies.
Summary: The monthly financial report provides a summary of general fund revenues and
departmental expenditures and a comparison of budget to actual throughout the year. A
budget to actual summary for the four utility funds is also included in this report.
Financial or budget considerations: At the end of May, general fund expenditures were at
approximately 39% of the adopted annual budget, which continues to be about 3% under
budget.
Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable.
Supporting documents: Discussion
Summary of revenues and expenditures – general fund
Budget to actual – enterprise funds
Prepared by: Darla Monson, Accountant
Reviewed by: Tim Simon, Chief Financial Officer
Nancy Deno, Deputy City Manager/HR Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 4) Page 2
Title: May 2019 monthly financial report
Discussion
Background: This monthly report provides summary information of the overall level of
revenues and departmental expenditures in the general fund compared to the adopted budget
throughout the year. A budget to actual summary for the four utility funds is also included in
this report.
Present considerations:
General Fund
Actual expenditures should generally be at about 42% of the annual budget at the end of May.
General Fund expenditures were at 39.2% through May. Revenues are harder to measure in the
same way due to the timing of when they are received, examples of which include property taxes,
grants and State aid payments. A few comments on variances are explained below.
License and permit revenues combined are already at 77% of budget through May. Over 88% of
the 2019 business and liquor license revenue has already been received, which is typical of
prior years as the majority are renewals paid early in the year. Permit revenues rose another
15% in May to 74% of budget. Larger building permits issued to date include PLACE,
Bridgewater Bank, Yeshiva School, St. Louis Park School District, Elan West End Apartments,
Urban Park Apartments, and The Block restaurant.
Vehicle maintenance is over budget by about 2% due to winter related expenses.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Actual $2,885 $5,979 $8,957 $11,824 $15,327
Budget $3,257 $6,515 $9,772 $13,029 $16,287 $19,544 $22,801 $26,058 $29,316 $32,573 $35,830 $39,088
$0
$5,000
$10,000
$15,000
$20,000
$25,000
$30,000
$35,000
$40,000
$45,000
$ THOUSANDS Monthly Expenditures -General Fund
Summary of Revenues & Expenditures - General Fund As of May 31, 2019 20192019201720172018201820192019BalanceYTD Budget Budget Audited Budget Audited BudgetYTD May Remaining to Actual %General Fund Revenues: General Property Taxes24,748,436$ 24,837,901$ 25,705,886$ 26,597,928$ 26,880,004$ -$ 26,880,004$ 0.00% Licenses and Permits3,745,736 3,985,517 3,924,648 4,001,644 4,103,424 3,169,273 934,151 77.23% Fines & Forfeits254,200 293,236 269,200 282,146 279,700 144,497 135,203 51.66% Intergovernmental1,631,669 1,899,006 1,864,877 2,006,435 1,760,900 415,419 1,345,481 23.59% Charges for Services2,027,637 2,051,552 2,162,410 2,180,589 2,187,319 727,351 1,459,968 33.25% Miscellaneous Revenue1,274,415 1,294,452 1,318,037 1,427,744 1,367,012 544,316 822,696 39.82% Transfers In1,899,927 1,951,218 1,929,090 1,929,076 1,999,877 812,449 1,187,428 40.62% Investment Earnings 140,000 125,984 160,000 251,494 180,000 180,000 0.00% Other Income30,450 54,303 40,950 35,802 31,300 22,065 9,235 70.49% Use of Fund Balance *58,541 - 523,835 298,156 - 298,156 0.00%Total General Fund Revenues35,811,011$ 36,493,169$ 37,898,933$ 38,712,858$ 39,087,692$ 5,835,371$ 33,252,321$ 14.93%General Fund Expenditures: General Government: Administration 1,049,123$ 1,056,796$ 1,341,606$ 1,340,282$ 1,837,620$ 598,082$ 1,239,538$ 32.55% Finance 957,275 924,832 978,752 964,036 1,034,199 423,173 611,026 40.92% Assessing707,139 652,015 759,865 710,715 772,746 322,502 450,244 41.73% Human Resources754,699 730,731 796,666 735,050 805,620 302,029 503,591 37.49% Community Development1,366,055 1,353,476 1,479,911 1,559,721 1,502,521 630,648 871,873 41.97% Facilities Maintenance1,132,774 1,128,339 1,162,342 1,223,109 1,170,211 458,832 711,379 39.21% Information Resources1,570,712 1,421,685 1,589,432 1,526,028 1,674,937 604,477 1,070,460 36.09% Communications & Marketing646,841 722,199 755,940 829,732 805,674 310,646 495,028 38.56% Community Outreach26,553 24,403 27,637 12,085 - - - Engineering376,601 339,876 525,834 552,432 570,377 193,816 376,561 33.98%Total General Government8,587,772$ 8,354,352$ 9,417,985$ 9,453,190$ 10,173,905$ 3,844,204$ 6,329,701$ 37.78% Public Safety: Police9,217,988$ 9,255,342$ 9,930,681$ 9,877,014$ 10,335,497$ 4,302,814$ 6,032,683$ 41.63% Fire Protection4,407,656 4,319,457 4,657,973 4,630,520 4,813,078 1,947,204 2,865,874 40.46% Inspectional Services2,419,073 2,271,301 2,544,762 2,295,910 2,555,335 1,008,832 1,546,503 39.48%Total Public Safety16,044,717$ 15,846,100$ 17,133,416$ 16,803,444$ 17,703,910$ 7,258,851$ 10,445,059$ 41.00% Operations & Recreation: Public Works Administration266,249$ 245,942$ 230,753$ 208,050$ 290,753$ 110,649$ 180,104$ 38.06% Public Works Operations3,019,017 2,809,715 3,091,857 2,998,935 3,111,481 1,170,155 1,941,326 37.61% Organized Recreation1,472,996 1,470,613 1,582,490 1,499,780 1,579,569 675,986 903,583 42.80% Recreation Center1,744,651 1,856,529 1,860,755 2,004,937 1,949,657 627,355 1,322,302 32.18% Park Maintenance1,721,732 1,797,271 1,830,530 1,866,744 1,833,297 684,947 1,148,350 37.36% Westwood Nature Center602,400 572,942 622,346 599,704 643,750 251,092 392,658 39.00% Natural Resources550,235 430,995 559,662 376,359 484,784 158,220 326,564 32.64% Vehicle Maintenance1,384,038 1,088,375 1,253,367 1,210,279 1,242,236 542,078 700,158 43.64%Total Operations & Recreation10,761,318$ 10,272,383$ 11,031,760$ 10,764,788$ 11,135,527$ 4,220,482$ 6,915,045$ 37.90% Non-Departmental: General 31,909$ 31,859$ 43,422$ 52,421$ -$ -$ -$ Transfers Out- 885,000 - 1,040,000 - - - 0.00% Council Programs198,000 110,105 - - - Contingency385,295 188,254 74,350 24,440 74,350 3,069 71,282 4.13%Total Non-Departmental417,204$ 1,105,113$ 315,772$ 1,226,966$ 74,350$ 3,069$ 71,282$ 4.13%Total General Fund Expenditures35,811,011$ 35,577,947$ 37,898,933$ 38,248,388$ 39,087,692$ 15,326,605$ 23,761,087$ 39.21%*Primarily related to E911 capital items from restricted fund balance.Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 4) Title: May 2019 monthly financial reportPage 3
Budget to Actual - Enterprise FundsAs of May 31, 2019 Current BudgetMay Year To DateBudget Variance% of BudgetCurrent BudgetMay Year To DateBudget Variance% of BudgetCurrent BudgetMay Year To DateBudget Variance% of BudgetCurrent BudgetMay Year To DateBudget Variance% of BudgetOperating revenues: User charges 6,857,853$ 2,038,429$ 4,819,424$ 29.72% 7,513,922$ 2,186,299$ 5,327,623$ 29.10% 3,409,250$ 853,014$ 2,556,236$ 25.02% 2,900,839$ 1,003,678$ 1,897,161$ 34.60% Other 375,750 450,515 (74,765) 119.90% 30,000 9,437 20,563 31.46% 153,500 183 153,317 0.12% - - Total operating revenues7,233,603 2,488,945 4,744,658 34.41% 7,543,922 2,195,736 5,348,186 29.11% 3,562,750 853,197 2,709,553 23.95% 2,900,839 1,003,678 1,897,161 34.60%Operating expenses: Personal services1,397,512 603,078 794,434 43.15% 717,237 331,011 386,226 46.15% 599,774 237,564 362,210 39.61% 807,245 259,070 548,175 32.09% Supplies & non-capital324,800 100,136 224,664 30.83% 68,600 14,422 54,178 21.02% 222,550 12,704 209,846 5.71% 12,500 65 12,435 0.52% Services & other charges1,736,196 795,273 940,923 45.81% 4,784,255 2,323,841 2,460,414 48.57%2,952,323 835,938 2,116,385 28.31% 325,903 122,901 203,002 37.71% Depreciation * Total operating expenses3,458,508 1,498,487 1,960,021 43.33% 5,570,092 2,669,273 2,900,819 47.92% 3,774,647 1,086,206 2,688,441 28.78% 1,145,648 382,036 763,612 33.35%Operating income (loss)3,775,095 990,457 2,784,638 26.24% 1,973,830 (473,538) 2,447,368 -23.99% (211,897) (233,009) 21,112 109.96% 1,755,191 621,642 1,133,549 35.42%Nonoperating revenues (expenses): Interest income 15,172 15,172 0.00% 7,200 7,200 0.00% 18,100 18,100 0.00% 14,175 14,175 0.00% Debt issuance costs- - - - - - - Interest expense/bank charges(478,969) (253,025) (225,944) 52.83% (137,428) (43,946) (93,482) 31.98% (25,500) (3,294) (22,206) 12.92% (37,672) (10,680) (26,992) 28.35% Total nonoperating rev (exp)(463,797) (253,025) (210,772) 54.56% (130,228) (43,946) (86,282) 33.75% (7,400) (3,294) (4,106) 44.52% (23,497) (10,680) (12,817) 45.45%Income (loss) before transfers3,311,298 737,433 2,573,865 22.27% 1,843,602 (517,484) 2,361,086 -28.07% (219,297) (236,303) 17,006 107.75% 1,731,694 610,962 1,120,732 35.28%Transfers inTransfers out(620,034) (258,348) (361,687) 41.67% (848,335) (353,473) (494,862) 41.67% (241,057) (100,440) (140,617) 41.67% (332,165) (138,402) (193,763) 41.67%NET INCOME (LOSS)2,691,264 479,085 2,212,179 17.80% 995,267 (870,957) 1,866,224 -87.51% (460,354) (336,743) (123,611) 73.15% 1,399,529 472,560 926,969 33.77%Items reclassified to bal sht at year end: Capital Outlay(5,383,474) (72,529) (5,310,945) 1.35% (1,530,238) (42,339) (1,487,899) 2.77%- - - (3,139,505) (42,339) (3,097,166) 1.35%Revenues over/(under) expenditures(2,692,210) 406,556 (3,098,766) (534,971) (913,296) 378,325 (460,354) (336,743) (123,611) (1,739,976) 430,221 (2,170,197) *Depreciation is recorded at end of year (non-cash item).Water SewerSolid WasteStorm WaterStudy session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 4) Title: May 2019 monthly financial reportPage 4
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: June 24, 2019
Written report: 5
Executive summary
Title: Update on Environmentally Preferred Purchasing Policy
Recommended action: No action needed at this time.
Policy consideration: Does the council need any additional information?
Summary: At a recent meeting the city council requested an update on the progress made with
respect to the Environmentally Preferred Purchasing Policy (EP3). The purpose of the policy is
to continue to promote environmental factors such as: conservation of natural resources,
conservation of energy and water, reducing or eliminating toxins and toxic materials in our
community, support strong recycling markets, minimize environmental impacts such as
pollution, and reduce materials that are landfilled or incinerated.
Financial or budget considerations: No action is needed at this time.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to continue to lead in
environmental stewardship.
Supporting documents: Discussion
EP3
Prepared by: Shannon Pinc, Environment & Sustainability Coordinator
Reviewed by: Nancy Deno, Deputy City Manager/HR Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 5) Page 2
Title: Update on Environmentally Preferred Purchasing Policy
Discussion
Background:
Environmentally preferred purchasing policy report:
III.C. Accountability Measures
The city sustainability coordinator will work with all city departments to deliver a brief summary
annually to sustainable SLP covering:
1. Status of this policy’s implementation
2. Informal data on purchase of environmentally preferable products
3. Financial implications of the policy, if any
4. Overall accomplishments and challenges
5. Recommendations for the future
The environmentally preferred purchasing policy (EP3) for St. Louis Park took effect June 1, 2015.
The policy requires annual reporting. Such reports were included in summary format on
environment and sustainability in various formats since adoption. This report will serve as the
update on EP3 for 2019. Below is information in summary format in areas listed under Section
III.C. Accountability measures. The information provided will include information from the past
year and also some additional information since adoption of EP3. As always, if additional
information or details are needed, please inform the environment and sustainability coordinator.
1. Status of this policy’s implementation
• EP3 policy was communicated and distributed to staff in a timely manner after
adoption. Information and education sessions were provided as needed and
support has been given to staff when questions arise.
• The policy remains in place and is utilized by staff.
2. Informal data on purchase of environmentally preferable products and practices
• Conservation
o Changeover in energy efficient lighting in all city buildings is in process;
remaining replacements are done every year based on need or when tied
with other upgrades or improvements for the building.
o Motion sensor lighting was installed in office areas of city hall, PD, both fire
stations and the MSC.
o Electric squad charging systems installed to charge and protect electronics
and radio equipment in vehicles, reducing the need to idle in order to keep
them charged and ready to go.
o HVAC control systems include setback scheduling to reduce use whenever
possible, especially when the buildings are unoccupied.
o Passive solar heating/shading
§ On-site solar was installed at the MSC and Fires station #2. Expansion
of solar on the MSC is being planned in 2019 and exploration of solar
on the Rec Center is also underway for 2020.
§ WHNC was designed to be a net zero energy, all electric building
incorporating energy efficiency, site design, passive solar, and natural
daylighting strategies along with geothermal and solar production
technologies in all areas of the new building to be completed in 2020.
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 5) Page 3
Title: Update on Environmentally Preferred Purchasing Policy
• Renewable electricity
o Four of the main city buildings (City Hall, Fire Stations 1 and 2, and the Police
Dept) were placed on the Renewable Connect program at the end of 2017
which provides 100% renewable electricity for those sites for 5 years.
o Mid 2019 the remaining city accounts with Xcel were placed on Windsource
subscription at an annual cost of approximately $98,000 each year for 3 years.
• Fossil fuels
o City fleet is under analysis for moving to higher efficiency vehicles. In the
past some hybrid vehicles have been purchased and an all-electric vehicle
has been added.
o EV station will be added to city hall in 2019 with more to be installed at
various properties owned or maintained by the city, including WHNC.
o Equipment: various pieces of equipment used in operations and field work
were made in 2018 and the shift was made from gas powered chain saws
and weed whips to battery/electric.
o Vehicles: electric vehicles are under review and being implemented as
practicable in city fleet. One marked squad car is being replaced in 2019 with
a hybrid police rated Ford Explorer.
• Source reduction
o Reusable products continue to be used such as toner cartridges for printers;
hand soap dispenser bags will be changed to recyclable containers going
forward.
o Zero waste continues to be a focus in the solid waste program with
businesses and education to residents. This includes packaging for
restaurants, food vendors for takeout/take home packaging. This program
has been in place several years and is updated annually.
o City participates in waste reduction and reuse of building materials when
deconstruction of a property is taking place.
o City events and activities have been shifted to zero waste. Some examples
are food at council meetings, annual staff recognition event, compostable
plates, cups and other materials used at city meetings, minimal use of non-
reusable water bottles.
o Waste reduction activities examples: combining spring clean-up and snow
info in Park Perspective instead of a separate mailer, reusable dishware
available for meetings at city hall.
• Recycled content products
o Recycled content products: printing paper and products meet the recycled
content standards under IV.C.1
o Janitorial paper, such as bathroom paper towels, are being replaced with
non-bleached versions whenever feasible.
• Electronics
o IT has installed printers with new controls to reduce the amount of paper
and toner being consumed.
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 5) Page 4
Title: Update on Environmentally Preferred Purchasing Policy
o Appliances purchased are Energy Star qualifying.
• Water conservation
o Water saving equipment has been purchased for some city buildings when
upgrades are being made to restrooms.
o Water rates were studied and more tiers were added to promote
conservation. Those with higher water use have the opportunity to have
lower rates by using various methods of conservation. The new UB system
also has leak detection where city staff can notify a homeowner of a possible
leak at their property, and this encourages conservation.
• Green cleaning
o Using less products in general is a strategy employed by facilities staff
whenever possible.
o A hydrogen peroxide based cleaner is used as a multipurpose concentrate
that can be used for stainless steel polishing, floor cleaner, food degreaser
and deodorizer.
• Waste minimization
o Also see source reduction
o Electronics are sent back to manufacturers, auctioned or recycled in an
environmentally preferable manner
• Landscape and materials
o Trees and woody shrubs are used as a biofuel for District Energy in St. Paul
o Plant pots are reused then recycled when no longer usable.
o Tree protectors and water bags are reused whenever possible.
• Producer responsibility
o Encouraging or requiring that producers of products we purchase from bear
the majority of responsibility with regards to waste is an area we can explore
further. One example is buying electronics from brands that take back their
electronic waste once it is no longer usable, with no additional cost to the
city.
• Sustainability of investments
o Employees are not allowed to profit under any area of EP3 policy section
VI.J.1
o Investments must follow approved regulations for municipalities.
o Reviewing the fossil fuel investments made by financial institutions we utilize
or contract with is something we can start investigating when exploring new
opportunities.
• Future focus
o City operations and staff will continue to apply EP3 policy and as
modifications are made for environmental improvements, they will be
incorporated and/or planned within budgets and capital long range planning.
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 5) Page 5
Title: Update on Environmentally Preferred Purchasing Policy
3. Financial implications of the policy
a. The policy suggests that an increase in 10% is a realistic increase in cost to
support the goals of the policy and to further support additional environmental
goals and targets.
b. Windsource will cost the city approximately 10% more for adding on this fee to
all accounts.
4. Overall accomplishment and challenges
a. Products, technology, service providers and other information is continually
changing in this area. We modify for business needs as needed or for best
practices.
5. Recommendations for the future
a. The current policy refers to “available locally” – that one or more businesses
within the county/city or immediate surrounding areas are able to provide goods
and services in a timely manner, and in sufficient quantity and quality to meet a
specific department/agency need at a competitive cost.
Note: it is important that we incorporate our goals with racial equity and
inclusion when we follow EP3. For instance, we will search for vendors that are
POCI in order to meet our goals. This means we may need to obtain services or
businesses that may not be defined as “available locally” under the EP3 policy.
City of St. Louis Park Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy
I. PURPOSE AND SCOPE
A.The goal of this policy is to encourage purchasing that reflects the City’s commitment
to being an environmental and sustainability leader. This policy may be amended or
superseded in the future to also include broader aspects of sustainability. These aspects
may include, but are not limited to: local sourcing, ethical business practices, responsible
treatment of workers, child labor prevention, human rights, safety and wellness, fair
trade, transparency, economic equality and social justice.
This policy for purchasing is adopted in order to:
Promote environmental factors such as:
Conserving natural resources
Conserving energy
Minimizing environmental impacts such as pollution
Minimizing use of water
Reducing or eliminating toxins or toxic materials that create hazards to
workers and our community
Supporting strong recycling markets
Reducing materials that are landfilled and incinerated
Creating a model for successfully purchasing environmentally preferable
products that encourages other purchasers in our community to adopt similar
goals
Promote fiscal factors such as:
Decreasing lifecycle costs by acknowledging and incorporating full cost
accounting (purchase, maintenance, disposal, staff time, and labor)
Minimizing waste and its associated costs
B.This policy applies to all City departments and employees, vendors, contractors and
grantees for all products and services provided to the City.
C.This policy is subject to the requirements and preferences in the Municipal
Contracting Law (MN. Statue 471.345), the St. Louis Park Purchasing Policy and all
other applicable laws and ordinances.
D.This policy adheres to or exceeds the Admin Minnesota Materials Management
Division Environmentally Responsible Purchasing Policy:
http://www.mmd.admin.state.mn.us/envir.htm. All Minnesota Legislative and Executive
Order Requirements in the State policy shall be followed by the City of St. Louis Park
unless superseded by this city policy.
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 5)
Title: Update on Environmentally Preferred Purchasing Policy Page 6
II. EFFECTIVE DATE
This policy will take effect on June 1, 2015.
III. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Implementation
All City departments are responsible for implementation of this policy and to ensure their
respective employees and contractors are fully aware and supportive of the City’s policy
to purchase environmentally preferable goods and services. All departments are
suggested to:
Evaluate environmentally preferable products, whenever practical, to determine
the extent to which they may be used by the department and its contractors.
Facilitate data collection, if requested, on purchases of designated
environmentally preferable products by the department in order to assist the City
Sustainability Coordinator.
B. Responsible Parties
The Sustainability Coordinator will administer this policy. Each department head will
have the responsibility of ensuring adoption within his or her department and report any
issues to the above party.
C. Accountability Measures
The City Sustainability Coordinator will work with all city departments to deliver a brief
summary annually to Sustainable SLP, covering:
Status of this policy’s implementation
Informal data on purchases of environmentally preferable products
Financial implications of the policy, if any
Overall accomplishment and challenges
Recommendations for the future
IV. GENERAL CONDITIONS
A.Purchased Energy
A.1. Conservation – It is recommended that lifecycle costs are considered in
every new building or infrastructure project, retrofit or remodel requiring city
capital. Lifecycle thinking should be employed when evaluating energy
conserving purchases. For example, longer life and lower end of life impacts of
LED lighting can offset initial price premium over fluorescent lighting. A ten-
year payback for efficiency upgrades is a recommended standard, but could be
amended based on future needs. Sample energy-saving purchases include, but are
not limited to:
Energy performance contracting for existing buildings
More efficient technologies such as LED lighting for buildings and
grounds
Daylight or motion sensor lighting
HVAC control systems
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Title: Update on Environmentally Preferred Purchasing Policy Page 7
Passive solar heating / shading
A.2. Renewable Electricity – It is recommended that the City will make every
effort to purchase renewably generated electricity in all of its accounts, when
economically feasible. Renewable power can often be purchased for less than
10% incremental cost, or could even yield a payback over time. The city should
seek to understand the cost of fully eliminating its electricity-derived carbon
footprint and establish goals to reach net zero. Current means of becoming
carbon-neutral include but are not limited to:
Participation in Xcel Energy’s Windsource program
Large-scale solar energy purchasing agreements
Small-scale ‘community solar’ projects
The purchase of carbon offsets
A.3. Purchased Fossil Fuels – It is recommended that the City will make every
effort to offset the environmental impacts of its purchased fossil fuels when
economically feasible. The city should understand the cost of offsetting its
carbon emissions originating from: 1) natural gas, 2) gasoline, 3) diesel / fuel oil.
Current means of becoming carbon neutral with respect to fossil fuels include but
are not limited to:
Natural gas performance contracting for existing buildings
Participation in CenterPoint Energy’s Green Balance Program
The planned purchase of higher efficiency or plug-in electric vehicle fleets
Fuel switching from natural gas to renewables for buildings and
infrastructure
The purchase of carbon offsets
B. Source Reduction
B.1. Products that are durable, long lasting, reusable or refillable are preferred.
B.2. Vendors will be encouraged whenever practicable to take back and reuse
pallets and packaging materials such as plastic bags, cardboard and similar
materials.
B.3. City will implement the goals of the new Protocol related to the Zero Waste
Meetings out of the City’s Public Works Department as they relate to purchasing
whenever practicable.
C. Recycled Content Products
C.1. It is recommended that printing paper, office paper and paper products will
minimally meet the minimum recycled content standards established by the US
EPA that meets the minimum recycled content standards established by the US
EPA Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines. 100% post-consumer recycled
content is strongly preferred if fiscally possible (within a 10% lifecycle cost
increase over the aforementioned product, for example). Any non-recycled paper
content should be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the
Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).
C.2. It is recommended that janitorial paper products will minimally meet the
minimum recycled content standards established by the US EPA and that meets
Study session meeting of June 24, 2019 (Item No. 5)
Title: Update on Environmentally Preferred Purchasing Policy Page 8
the minimum recycled content standards established by the US EPA
Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines. 100% post-consumer recycled content
is strongly preferred if fiscally possible (within a 10% lifecycle cost increase over
the aforementioned product, for example). Any non-recycled paper content
should be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Sustainable
Forestry Initiative (SFI).
D. Electronics
D.1. The responsibility for this policy will be those City of St. Louis Park
employees whose job functions include the operations management for city
owned facilities (i.e., offices, garages, buildings) or purchasing of energy
consuming equipment (i.e. Information Technology). These individuals are
responsible for ensuring that this policy is executed and updated over time.
D.2. Where applicable, energy-efficient Information Technology equipment will
be purchased with the most up-to-date energy efficiency functions. When
necessary, suppliers or manufacturers will train equipment operators and
maintenance personnel in the proper enabling and use of energy efficient and
sleep mode functions on their equipment.
D.3. All appliances and products purchased by the City and for which the US
EPA Energy Star certification is available will meet Energy Star certification.
Typically, this would include lighting, heating, exhaust fans, water heaters,
computers, exit signs, and appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers and
microwave ovens. Purchased electronic products meeting EPA Energy Star
standards are highly encouraged.
D.4. When Energy Star labels are not available, use energy efficient products that
are in the upper 25% of energy efficiency as designated by the Federal Energy
Management Program.
D.5. The city will consider rechargeable battery systems for common household
sizes: AA, AAA, etc. Disposable batteries will only be purchased in the event
that no rechargeable option exists or if there are significant reasons why a
rechargeable battery system is suboptimal.
E. Water Conservation
E.1. The City should purchase water-saving products whenever practicable. This
includes, but is not limited to, high-performance fixtures like toilets, waterless
urinals, low-flow faucets and aerators, and upgraded irrigation systems.
F. Green Cleaning
The Green Cleaning concept has been employed by cleaning companies for many
years. These techniques have now become mainstream in many cases. The
cleaning policy below contains recommendations for the future, but expectations
can be made if these are not currently practical or would require significant
investment of resources. Some chemicals such as those associated with the rec
center pool may be exempted from this policy. It is recommended, however, that
we consider lower-toxicity alternatives to chlorine should they become available
in the future and economically feasible.
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F.1. Green Cleaning Roles & Responsibilities
The responsible party for this policy is the St. Louis Park Facilities Maintenance
Supervisor. It is recommended that he or she evaluate the green cleanin g policy
on a quarterly basis to evaluate progress towards the implementation goals and
assess whether the building (all city facilities except the Rec Center) is being
sufficiently cleaned with these procedures. As necessary, the responsible party
will revise the green cleaning policy to include additional cleaning strategies or
modify existing cleaning strategies.
F.2. Cleaning Products and Materials
Cleaning products should meet one or more of the following standards:
Green Seal GS-37, Green Seal GS-40
EPA Design for the Environment Program’s Standard for Safer Cleaning
Products.
Hand soaps and hand sanitizers contain no antimicrobial agents except
where required by health codes and other regulations (food service and
health care requirements) and meet Green Seal GS-41.
Hand sanitizers meet UL 2783 standard for Instant Hand Antiseptics.
F.3. Cleaning Contracts & Services
Strategies for reducing toxicity in contracted cleaning activities:
Cleaning staff and building occupants are supplied with safe cleaning
chemicals that meet the sustainability criteria described in the purchasing
guidelines above.
Hard floors, including tile, concrete, and wood surfaces, are cleaned with
only sustainable cleaning products.
Microfiber cloth and other sustainable high performance cleaning
techniques replacing traditional cleaning activities.
Ionized water-only surface cleaning devices used as much as possible.
Cleaning chemicals must be labeled and stored in locked, demarcated
areas.
Material safety data sheets (MSDS) for the cleaning chemicals are
displayed in storage areas.
Strategies for conserving energy, water, and chemicals used for cleaning:
Manual-powered equipment and cleaning strategies used whenever
practicable to reduce the energy and water used by powered equipment
and typical cleaning strategies.
Cold water used when possible to reduce energy used to heat hot water.
Vacuum filters and other applicable equipment changed frequently to
enable air flow and reduce the energy consumption of the equipment.
When cleaning chemicals are necessary, the operating procedures for
chemical dilution are followed to ensure that the minimum amount of
cleaning chemical is used.
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Training plan and tracking plan for water, energy, and toxic chemical usage:
A training plan is developed to ensure all new staff understands this
policy.
Every time a toxic chemical is used at most City buildings managed by
Facilities Maintenance Division, it should be reported to the St. Louis Park
Facilities Maintenance Supervisor with a record of which chemical was
used, where it was applied, and the reason for its use (exceptions may be
granted by the City Sustainability Coordinator). At the present time, the
Rec Center and Park Buildings will be exempt from this requirement.
G. Waste Minimization
G.1. St. Louis Park requires vendors to eliminate packaging or use the minimum
amount necessary for product protection, to the greatest extent practicable.
G.2. Packaging that is reusable, recyclable or compostable is preferred, when
suitable uses and programs exist.
G.3. Vendors are being encouraged to take back and reuse pallets and packaging
materials.
G.4. Suppliers of electronic equipment, including but not limited to computers,
monitors, printers, and copiers, will be asked to take back equipment for reuse or
environmentally safe recycling when St. Louis Park discards or replaces such
equipment, whenever practicable.
H. Landscape Maintenance and Materials
H.1. Maintenance Contracts
The City of St. Louis Park will ask our vendors and suppliers, in contract terms, to
use environmentally preferable equipment, materials and techniques in all forms
of landscaping and grounds maintenance when practicable.
H.2. Landscape Materials
The City of St. Louis Park will strive to make sustainable and environmentally
preferable decisions in all forms of landscaping and grounds maintenance
whenever practicable. This includes, but is not limited to:
Design for sustainability
Design for low maintenance
Design for walkability / bike-ability
Substitute organics for chemicals
Reduce transport of landscape debris whenever possible
Continue to purchase native / locally grown / organic plants and materials
I. Producer Responsibility
I.1. The City of St. Louis Park will, whenever practicable, favor products that are
manufactured by companies that take financial and/or physical responsibility for
collecting, recycling, reusing, or otherwise safely disposing of their products and
packaging at the end of their useful life. While this may not be common practice
currently, the Sustainability Coordinator could possibly assist with identifying
companies that do adhere to these practices.
J. Sustainability of Investments
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Title: Update on Environmentally Preferred Purchasing Policy Page 11
J.1. Whenever practicable, the City of St. Louis Park will avoid making
investments in which the city and its employees stand to profit from the
extraction, sale, transportation or consumption of fossil fuels or other known
environmental hazards. The city will seek out a plan to divest current financial
assets held in fossil fuels and reinvest these assets in more sustainable investment
areas, such as clean energy when practicable.
K. Future Focus
K.1. This policy is intended to be a living document that will serve the City for
years to come even while sustainability standards evolve. Future policy topics
may include, but are not limited to: guidelines on fleet vehicles, purchased
landscape materials and services, city building retrofits, city infrastructure service
and material procurement, and purchased energy. Rec Center and Park Facilities
will put in place regular reviews on their use of toxic chemicals and ways to
reduce or eliminate their use. Rec Center will put in place regular reviews on the
use of green cleaning products.
V. DEFINITIONS
Environmentally preferable products and services as defined by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) means products and services that have a
lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared to
competing products and services that serve the same purpose. This applies to raw
material acquisition, as well as product manufacturing, distribution, use, maintenance,
and disposal.
The following attributes should be considered when determining whether a product or
service is environmentally preferable:
Available locally
Bio-based
Carcinogen-free
Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) free
Compostable
Durable, reusable or refillable
Energy and water efficient
Heavy metal free (i.e. no lead, mercury, cadmium)
Low toxicity
Low volatile organic compound (VOC) content
Made from renewable products
Persistent, Bioaccumulative Toxic (PBT) free
Recycled Content/recyclable
Reduced packaging
Reduced landfill and incineration of materials
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Refurbished/refurbishable
ASTM – American Society for Testing and Materials.
ASTM D6400-04 – the standard specifications for compostable plastic in the US.
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Available locally – that one or more businesses within the county/city or immediate
surrounding areas are able to provide goods and services in a timely manner, and in
sufficient quantity and quality to meet a specific department/agency need at a competitive
cost.
Bio-Based Product – commercial or industrial products (other than food or feed) that
utilize plant based contents and residuals but does not include products made from
forestry materials.
Biodegradable – the ability of a substance, material, or product ingredient to readily
decompose by the action of microbes. Being biodegradable does not mean that it is also
compostable, however. While a biodegradable item may break down into smaller bits,
these components may not be able to provide any nutrients when used as compost. For
that reason, ‘compostable’ is preferred.
Buyer – anyone authorized to purchase on behalf of this jurisdiction or its subdivisions.
Chlorofluorocarbon, (CFC) – the family of compounds of chlorine, fluorine, and
carbon. CFC’s contribute to the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer, and have been
used as an ingredient for refrigerants, solvents, and for blowing plastic-foam insulation
and packaging. The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer calls
for complete elimination of CFC production.
Contractor – any person, group of persons, business, consultant, designing architect,
association, partnership, corporation, supplier, vendor or other entity that has a contract
with the City of St. Louis Park, serves in a subcontracting capacity with an entity having
a contract, or is otherwise hired by the City of St. Louis Park for the provision of goods
or services.
Dioxins and furans – a group of chemical compounds that are classified as persistent,
bio-accumulative, and toxic by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Energy Efficient Product – a product that is in the upper 25% of energy efficiency for
all similar products, or that is at least 10% more efficient than the minimum level that
meets Federal standards.
Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) – an easy-to-use, on-
line tool helping institutional purchasers select and compare computer desktops, laptops
and monitors based on their environmental attributes.
Energy Star – the US EPA’s energy efficiency product labeling program:
http://www.energystar.gov
Information Technology – shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following
devices: Laptops, Tablets, Desktops, Smart Phones, Servers, Networking devices,
Telecom devices, Televisions, Projectors, Audio and Photocopiers.
Green building – the incorporation of environmental, health, and waste prevention
criteria in building design, site-planning and preparation, materials acquisition,
construction or remodeling, deconstruction, and waste disposal.
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Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) – a non-profit organization that promotes social,
economic and environmental sustainability. It produces one of the world's most prevalent
standards for sustainability reporting which can be used by organizations to report and
research sustainability practices.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) – the self-assessing system
developed by the U.S. Green Building Council designed for rating new and existing
commercial, institutional, and high-rise residential buildings. Credits are earned for
satisfying defined criteria and standards. Different levels of green building certification
are awarded based on the total credits earned.
Light Emitting Diode (LED) – a highly efficient and long lasting form of interior &
exterior illumination.
Postconsumer Material – a finished material which would normally be disposed of as a
solid waste, having reached its intended end-use and completed its life cycle as a
consumer item, and does not include manufacturing or converting wastes.
Practicable – whenever possible and compatible with state and federal law, without
reducing safety, quality, or effectiveness.
Pre-consumer Material – material or by-products generated after manufacture of a
product is completed but before the product reaches the end-use consumer.
Post-consumer recycled material – material that has been discarded for disposal or
recovery, having completed its life as a consumer item, and is used as a raw material for
new products.
Recovered Material – fragments of products or finished products of a manufacturing
process, which has converted a resource into a commodity of real economic value, and
includes pre-consumer and postconsumer material but does not include excess resources
of the manufacturing process.
Recyclable – a material or product that can be reprocessed, remanufactured, or reused.
Recycled Content – the percentage of recovered material, including pre-consumer and
postconsumer materials, in a product.
Recycled Content Standard – the minimum level of recovered material and/or
postconsumer material necessary for products to qualify as recycled products.
Recycled Product – a product that meets the City’s recycled content policy objectives
for postconsumer and recovered material.
Remanufactured Product – any product diverted from the supply of discarded materials
by refurbishing and marketing said product without substantial change to its original
form.
Reused Product – any product designed to be used many times for the same or other
purposes.
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Source Reduction – the net reduction in generation of waste and toxic constituents.
US EPA Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines – the most current policies
established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for federal agency purchases.
Water-Saving Products – products in the upper 25% of water conservation for all
similar products, or at least 10% more water-conserving than the minimum level that
meets the Federal standards.
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Title: Update on Environmentally Preferred Purchasing Policy
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Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: June 24, 2019
Written report: 6
Executive summary
Title: FEMA – Community Rating System (CRS)
Recommended action: None at this time. This report is for information only.
Policy consideration: None at this time. Please inform staff of any questions you might have.
Summary: On May 1, 2019, the city was accepted into the Federal Emergency Management
Agency’s (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS). The CRS is a voluntary incentive program
that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the
minimum National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) standards.
For cities that are enrolled into the CRS, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to
reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community’s ability to reduce flood damage to
insurable property, strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP, and encourage a
comprehensive approach to floodplain management.
The CRS is a point system where the more a community does to proactively regulate, manage,
and notify floodplain information, the higher a discount property owners can receive on their
flood insurance rates. CRS uses a class rating system to determine flood insurance premium
reductions for residents. Communities typically enter the program at a 9 (5% reduction in
premiums) or at an 8 (10% reduction in premiums). Higher discounts are reserved for
communities with coastal floodplains or communities with dams and levees.
From 2017 to 2018 city staff worked with FEMA, CRS, and Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources professionals to identify and log all of the city’s floodplain management programs,
zoning and building requirements, and outreach activities in order to enroll the city in the CRS
program and to reduce property owners annual flood insurance rates. St. Louis Park is enrolled
in the program with level 8, which reduces flood insurances premiums by 10 percent annually
(approximately $440 per policy holder). To accomplish this, the city has increased annual
outreach including flood hazard brochures, articles in the Park Perspective, and social media
posts. As of 2017, 12 Minnesota communities were enrolled in CRS. The city will be enrolled in
this program for a minimum of five years, with annual recertification activities.
Financial or budget considerations: None at this time.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to continue to lead in
environmental stewardship.
Supporting documents: None
Prepared by: Jennifer Monson, Planner
Erick Francis, Water Resources Manager
Reviewed by: Sean Walther, Planning and Zoning Supervisor
Karen Barton, Community Development Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager