HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024/05/28 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Study Session
AGENDA
MAY 28, 2024
6:30 p.m. Study session - Community Room
Discussion items
1. Stormwater 101
2. Environmental Stewardship system kick-off
3. Efficient Building Benchmarking program administration
Written reports
4. Hennepin Energy Recovery Center closure plan update
5. Setting a tree canopy goal
6. Annual Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program report
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Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: May 28, 2024
Discussion item: 1
Executive summary
Title: Stormwater 101
Recommended action: None. This discussion is informational, staff will be making a
presentation at the study session covering the history of stormwater management and
regulation in St. Louis Park.
Policy consideration: None
Summary: This presentation was initiated as a response to a series of questions staff received
from the council about our stormwater management program and the impact it has on the
quality of receiving water bodies such as Cedar Lake. This report and presentation w ill explain
how the City of St. Louis Park manages stormwater runoff, the impact it has on our local water
bodies and the ongoing efforts to create flood storage and improve water quality.
The presentation will start with the history of St. Louis Park drainage, which began in a "drain
everything" era, adapted to an urban environment, responded to a major storm event in 1987
and has been retrofitting the system with re -development. This will include basic stormwater
management concepts and the evolution of stormwater management practices and
regulations.
Other topics include the physical characteristics of water bodies in the city and the drainage
characteristics, including landlocked basins, pipe networks and significant water bodies within
the city. The presentation will also focus on the work of the last ten years, including modeling
advances, capital improvement projects, technology advances and possible changes to the
program.
Financial or budget considerations: None
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to continue to lead in
environmental stewardship.
Supporting documents: Discussion
Prepared by: Phillip Elkin, engineering services manager
Reviewed by: Debra Heiser, engineering director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 1) Page 2
Title: Stormwater 101
Discussion
Background: While most of the city of St. Louis Park was developed in the 1950s and 1960s, the
stormwater infrastructure has its foundation in ditches and land use practices that have been in
place since the late 1800s and early 1900s. At that time, St. Louis Park was primarily agricultural
land, and the practice was to routinely drain and fill wetlands to gain more upland. The railroad
tracks laid during this time also had a significant role in changing the drainage patterns of the
city.
The most noteworthy infrastructure which control how efficiently the city drains were
established between the years 1909 and 1917. That is when county ditches 14, 17 and 24 were
established and would set the elevation and stormwater discharge rate for most of the city to
this day. While these ditches were not designed to manage urban runoff, they became the
primary discharge routes as agricultural land and wetlands were converted into residential
developments.
Using these ditches as the primary stormwater outlet, the city has had to adapt this undersized
pipe network to manage stormwater. In addition to keeping the city dry, increasingly stringent
regulations require the city to play "catch up" in addressing wetland protection and water
quality guidelines.
Technology changes have played an important role in recent years. Quality aerial photography,
Lidar contour data and GPS surveying equipment have allowed the city to refine old flood
delineations and record storm events as they happen.
Stormwater 101 presentation summary: Staff's presentation will provide an overview of
stormwater management in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. The presentation will incorporate visuals
such as maps, charts and photographs to enhance understanding. Key terminology related to
stormwater management will be defined throughout. Opportunities will be provided for
questions and discussion throughout.
An outline of the topics:
• Stormwater management basics: will cover basic hydraulics, the impact of impervious
surface, watersheds, water quantity and water quality. Details on the existing drainage
infrastructure, including sub-watersheds, landlocked basins and pipe networks will be
shared.
• History of stormwater management: The practice of including stormwater
management when urbanizing undeveloped land was essentially non-existent when
most of St. Louis Park was developed. Only in 1992 did the state and watershed districts
enact rules in which water quantity and water quality measures be included with new
development.
• Regulations: We will review the evolution of local, state, watershed district and federal
stormwater regulations that impact St. Louis Park.
• Physical characteristics and drainage:
o Terrain: We will discuss the city's topography and how it affects stormwater
runoff patterns.
o Sub-watersheds: This section will define sub-watersheds and identify those
within St. Louis Park.
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 1) Page 3
Title: Stormwater 101
o Water bodies: staff will identify significant lakes, ponds and wetlands within the
city limits.
o Drainage infrastructure: This section will explore the existing network of pipes,
catch basins and other drainage structures.
• St. Louis Park Stormwater Management Program
o Program overview: In 1992, the city adopted its first comprehensive stormwater
plan, which included an inventory of pipes, identifying wetlands, delineating
watersheds, implementing rules on water quantity and addressing water quality.
o Stormwater trends: We will discuss current trends in stormwater management
and how they are impacting St. Louis Park.
o Accomplishments: We will highlight the city's achievements in improving
stormwater management over the past ten years.
o The future of stormwater management: This section will discuss ongoing efforts
and the future of managing stormwater in St. Louis Park.
• Conclusion: The presentation will conclude by summarizing the key points and
emphasizing the importance of effective stormwater management to respond to our
changing environment.
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: May 28, 2024
Discussion item: 2
Executive summary
Title: Environmental Stewardship system kick-off
Recommended action: None. The purpose of this report is to provide an overview and
framework of the planned discussions in the study sessions included in the environmental
stewardship system.
Policy consideration: Throughout the discussions in this system, the council will be asked
specific policy questions relating to the topic discussed. Topics span many departments and
range from efficient building benchmarking to heritage tree preservation to an update on the
status of the eventual closure of the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center.
Summary: Over the coming weeks, council will hold a series of discussions and staff will provide
information regarding sustainability programs, projects and policies. Some of these discussions
are council-directed and others are staff initiated. Additionally, there will be several written
reports to provide context and information on current activities, programs and policies. This
report serves as grounding for all the discussions and includes a broad overview of activity and
frameworks used when considering environmental stewardship. The foundation for staff to
develop projects and implement programs are the plans and policies approved by city council,
including the Climate Action Plan; funds for city sustainability incentive programs come from
the Climate Investment Fund.
Financial or budget considerations: Funds are budgeted in the 2024 budgets for a variety of
programs related to environmental stewardship. Should the council desire a change in work,
additional resources may be required.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to continue to lead in
environmental stewardship.
Supporting documents: Discussion
Appendix A: 2024 sustainability incentive programs
Appendix B: Other 2024 sustainability initiatives
Prepared by: Emily Ziring, sustainability manager
Reviewed by: Brian Hoffman, building & energy director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 2) Page 2
Title: Environmental Stewardship system kick-off
Discussion
Background:
Environmental stewardship work in St. Louis Park
Environmental stewardship work spans many divisions/departments, including:
•Sustainability/building & energy: sustainability staff design and administer programs and
projects identified in the Climate Action Plan (CAP) and track community greenhouse
gas emissions over time to measure progress. Those programs and projects focus
primarily on buildings and energy (including transportation electrification), as most of
the initiatives designed to address transportation and solid waste emissions by 2030 are
handled by staff in engineering and in public works.
•Solid waste/public works: solid waste staff oversee curbside collection and management
of garbage, recycling, organics and yard waste. Staff manage the Recycling Champions
program and enforce the Zero Waste Packaging ordinance for food establishments and
recycling requirements for multifamily and commercial properties through trainings,
outreach and plan review. Solid waste staff coordinate and encourage efforts around
compost use in both city projects and private development, and lead building
deconstruction projects to minimize construction & demolition waste. Staff also educate
residents and businesses in reuse and manage city clean-up days, paper shredding
events and swap events.
•Engineering: engineering staff design and implement Connect the Park, which is
encouraging carbon-free transportation options by creating a comprehensive citywide
system of bikeways, sidewalks and trails. When EV chargers are installed on city
property, engineering staff assists with the construction project management. Staff also
manage stormwater projects and programs, including the Rainwater Rewards program
which offers financial and technical assistance to residents that complete stormwater
management projects on their property. Consideration of tree preservation, pavement
reduction and new sidewalk construction take place in the design of all transportation
projects.
•Parks and recreation:
o The natural resources division manages the city’s urban forestry program,
including public outreach, inspecting trees, private tree consultation, planting,
watering, pruning and other general tree and plant care in city parks, boulevards,
vacant lots, Minnehaha Creek corridor and Westwood Hills Nature Center. Staff
also enforce zoning and nuisance vegetation ordinances such as tree
preservation, development plan review, and tree disease/infestation sanitation
programs on private and public property and the tall grass/noxious weed
program. They manage the annual tree sale and volunteer tree planting events
such as Arbor Day with local partner Tree Trust, as well as herbaceous plantings
such as native prairies and park gardens including the Pollinate the Park initiative
and native plant sale. Wildlife management and management of the city brush
site are also handled by this division.
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 2) Page 3
Title: Environmental Stewardship system kick-off
o The facilities division oversees daily operations and capital projects for all major
municipal facilities. This ranges from monitoring energy consumption and
completing lighting retrofits to installing rooftop solar arrays.
•Planning and zoning/community development: planning and zoning coordinates the
city’s long-range planning efforts and development review. The comprehensive plan sets
goals, policies and strategies related to the built and natural environment and impact
quality of life. Planning and zoning is in the community development department with
housing and economic development divisions. The department helps administer the
city’s inclusionary housing, green building and diversity equity and inclusion policies for
new development. The division’s work tends to focus on land use planning and
administering zoning and subdivision codes used to implement city policy. Together
these tools shape development in the city and the infrastructure supporting the
community. Land use regulations can impact availability of housing, goods and services,
and employment. Land use impacts the environment, including air and water quality
and the climate.
There are numerous examples of other divisions and departments’ involvement in
environmental stewardship, from the naturalists at Westwood Hills Nature Center to utilities;
fleet services; communications; and race, equity and inclusion. Enterprise-wide collaboration
on issues of sustainability is common; sustainability staff meet quarterly with staff in
engineering, solid waste and economic development to discuss opportunities to support one
another’s work.
Climate Action Plan and Climate Investment Fund
In February 2018, the city council formally adopted the city’s Climate Action Plan. The goals of
the plan are some of the most robust of any city in Minnesota. The biggest bowl outcome of the
plan is for the community to achieve total carbon neutrality by 2040 with seven important
midterm goals set for 2030. The CAP is a climate mitigation plan, meaning that staff focus on
actions to reduce and stabilize the sources or enhance the sinks of greenhouse gases, e.g.,
energy efficiency, renewable energy, low-carbon transportation, organics recycling, and tree
planting. Given that the effects of climate change are underway now, staff have also elected to
devote a portion of their efforts towards climate adaptation—the process of adjustment to
current or expected climate and its effects—and climate resilience, the ability for social,
economic and ecosystems to prepare and plan for, absorb and recover from sudden adverse
events.
Since 2018, the city has increased its investment in the implementation of the CAP including the
reorganization of the inspections department into the building & energy department and the
creation of a sustainability division that includes a sustainability manager and two sustainability
specialists.
In 2021 council voted to create the Climate Investment Fund (CIF), a funding mechanism for a
portfolio of ongoing programs available for residents and businesses, helping to leverage
private investment dollars when owners are ready to make improvements that reduce carbon
emissions and lower energy costs. The fund, established with $500,000 in available dollars from
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 2) Page 4
Title: Environmental Stewardship system kick-off
the unrestricted fund balance from the 2020 operating budget and supplemented in 2023 with
$300,000 from the development fund, is used by departments across the city enterprise to fund
existing and future cost sharing programs tied to the goals and strategies within the CAP.
In addition to the staff resources and the CIF, the city has invested in its own infrastructure and
continues to do so using the capital improvement process.
Current sustainability programs
A detailed list of current sustainability programs and projects can be found in Appendix A.
Community-facing incentive programs are funded using the Climate Investment Fund. Inflation
Reduction Act provisions, including tax credits and direct-to-consumer rebates, as well as new
state incentives, can offset some city incentives; as these provisions are rolled out, city
incentive amounts may be adjusted.
All sustainability programs integrate an environmental justice element, and staff works to
repair past injustices using a “targeted universalism” approach to program design. Under the
targeted universalism framework, staff set citywide program goals and offer an environmental
justice rate to offer more support to those residents most impacted by climate change.
Present considerations:
As climate change accelerates, new technologies emerge, and concerns about environmental
injustices grow, programs, policies and projects to further environmental stewardship are
created, amended and rescinded. Staff in the divisions and departments that create and
manage these programs and their effects have information to share with council and some
policy questions they would like to explore.
Next steps: Throughout the discussions in this system, council will be asked to provide policy
direction on various environmental stewardship programs. The dates outlined in the following
table are tentative and dependent on discussion outcomes from prior study sessions.
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 2) Page 5
Title: Environmental Stewardship system kick-off
Topic Date Description Staff Lead
Efficient Building
Benchmarking
program
May 28,
2024
Discussion of rescinding the
Efficient Building Benchmarking
ordinance and allowing the state
to manage benchmarking city
buildings under the new state
program. Ziring
Tree canopy
percentage goal
May 28,
2024
Report of the recommended tree
canopy goal and the timeline to
reach it. Bahe/Walther/Ziring
Hennepin Energy
Recovery Center
closure plan update
May 28,
2024
Report on the status of the
proposed closure plan for
Hennepin Energy Recovery
Center (HERC) and anticipated
requirements for new city waste
reduction and recycling program
development or expansion. Fisher
Heritage tree
preservation
June 10,
2024
Discussion of a proposal to
further preserve heritage trees in
the city. Bahe/Walther/Ziring
Revised
Environmentally
Preferred
Purchasing Policy
(EP3)
June 10,
2024
Report of changes to the EP3
adopted administratively. Fisher/Ziring
Presentation of
Environmental
Stewardship
dashboard
June 10,
2024
Presentation and demonstration
of the new Environmental
Stewardship dashboard. Rabine/Ziring
Environmental
Stewardship system
summary report
June 10,
2024 N/A
Ziring
1
Appendix A: 2024 sustainability incentive programs
Community-facing incentive programs
Program name: Climate Champions (with solar bonus)
CAP goal(s): 1, 2 and 4
Description: Energy assessment, cost share, and recognition program for property owners who
elect to participate; solar bonus incentive for those who first reach energy efficiency targets
Sectors: Business (current), multifamily (current), organizations (current), homes (current), and
large commercial & industrial (new in 2024)
Equity component: Larger cost share amounts for properties in environmental justice areas of
concern or for homeowners who identify as low income, 65 years or older, BIPOC, veteran, or
disabled
Risks: Success depends on appetite of property owners (including rental property owners) to
invest time and money in energy efficiency
CAP strategies’ annual target: 20 commercial buildings retrofit; 900 single-family households
complete retrofits/weatherization; 1,782 households replace electrical equipment and 720
households replace natural gas equipment with high efficiency
2023 results: 14 businesses received energy assessments, and 2 completed energy projects,
collectively saving $5,825.98 and 35.93 tons of GHG emissions annually; 8 organizations
received energy assessments, and 3 completed energy projects, collectively saving $17,017.68
and 56.85 tons of GHG emissions annually. 136 households replaced electrical equipment and
13 households replaced natural gas equipment with high efficiency air or ground source heat
pumps or heat pump water heaters. 8 residents and 1 organization qualified for the Climate
Champions solar bonus, collectively installing over 100 kW of rooftop solar.
In 2023 a new participant recruitment tool was piloted in collaboration with the assessing
division: mailing postcards for free Home Energy Squad visits (normally $50) to residents who
closed on their home within the previous six months. This led to 11 additional sign-ups.
In 2024 staff launched the final sector of the Climate Champions program: Climate Champions
for large commercial & industrial properties. This program offers building owners the
opportunity to receive a comprehensive energy audit (normally a $500 value) for $100, with the
buy-down funded using the Climate Investment Fund. Like the other Climate Champions
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 2)
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programs, all energy projects undertaken by property owners will receive a city cost share
incentive on top of the utility rebates received.
Program name: Building Operations Champions
CAP goal(s): 1 and 2
Description: Cost share for commercial property owners who pay for their building operators to
attend Building Operator Certification (BOC) level 1 or multifamily training and pass the
certification exam. The cost share and utility rebates bring down the cost from $1,200 to $50-
100.
Sectors: Commercial & industrial, multifamily
Equity component: Larger cost share amounts for trainees from traditionally underrepresented
groups
Risks: Success depends on appetite of commercial property owners to invest time and money in
training, and availability of facilities maintenance workforce
CAP strategies’ annual target: 38 commercial buildings engaged in building operations BMPs
2023 results: None
Program name: Shade SLP and full-service tree planting (in coordination with
Parks & Recreation)
CAP goal(s): Advanced strategies
Description: Tree planting to capture and store carbon dioxide, enhancing property values and
aesthetics and reducing owners’ utility costs through increased shading and reduced flooding
Sectors: All
Equity component: Larger cost share amounts for properties located where high surface temps
and low tree canopy overlap
Risks: Success depends on property owners desire for additional trees and investment in tree
maintenance
CAP strategies’ annual target: N/A (no targets listed for Advanced Strategies); staff set goal of
additional 300 trees, doubling the annual number planted on private property
2023 results: 99 trees planted on private property, with orders for more trees in 2024
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 2)
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Program name: Tree treatment cost share (in coordination with Parks &
Recreation) (new in 2024)
CAP goal(s): Advanced strategies
Description: Treatment of diseased and infested trees to preserve them in order to store
carbon dioxide, enhancing property values and aesthetics and reducing owners’ utility costs
through increased shading and reduced flooding. The new program offers cost sharing on tree
treatments for oak wilt, Dutch elm, and two-lined chestnut borer on privately-owned trees.
Sectors: All
Equity component: Larger cost share amounts for homeowners who identify as low income, 65
years or older, BIPOC, veteran, or disabled
Risks: Success depends on property owners desire for tree preservation and investment in long-
term tree maintenance
CAP strategies’ annual target: N/A (no targets listed for Advanced Strategies)
Program name: Electrify Everything
CAP goal(s): Advanced strategies
Description: This program is jointly administered by a cohort of metro-area cities (Minneapolis,
St. Louis Park, Edina and Eden Prairie). The cohort educates the public about electrification
readiness and technologies, as well as provide a list of trained contractors for each type of
technology. Cities also partner on outreach and engagement strategies to drive residents to the
website. Residents who decide to weatherize, electrify their heating/cooling or water heating
will be directed to the Climate Champions for homes program to explore cost share incentives.
Sectors: Multifamily, 1-4 unit residential
Equity component: Low Income/Disadvantaged Communities (LIDAC) are the primary target of
outreach, but interest comes from all demographic groups
Risks: Success depends on multiple external factors, such as property owner comfort with
technology, cost of electricity, appetite of property owners to invest time and money in fuel
switching, contractor familiarity with technology, availability of equipment
CAP strategies’ annual target: N/A (no targets listed for Advanced Strategies)
Program name: EV charging incentives for multifamily buildings (pending)
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 2)
Title: Environmental Stewardship system kick-off Page 8
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CAP goal(s): 6
Description: Cost share funds for multifamily property owners to incentivize installation of
electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in private parking lots with shared (non-dedicated) spots.
Acceptance into the Xcel Energy Multifamily Charging Program will be required for the cost
share. Under this program, Xcel Energy installs and maintains all electric vehicle charging
infrastructure (i.e., transformers, conduit) at no charge to the property owner. The city program
would offset the remaining cost (the electric vehicle charging unit or lease fee).
This program is pending implementation of Xcel Energy’s Multifamily Charging Program, which
may launch in the fall of 2024.
Sectors: Multifamily
Equity component: Funds only available for properties where residents have “first come, first
served” private parking, i.e., naturally-occurring affordable housing
Risks: Success depends on rental property owners’ and managers’ willingness to install charging
stations
CAP strategies target: Goal 6 is to reduce vehicle emissions by 25% by 2030 as compared to the
business-as-usual forecast. A key strategy to achieving this goal is to increase adoption of
electric vehicles such that EVs comprise 28% of total car ownership and 1% of all truck
ownership in St. Louis Park (annual targets are not available given data limitations). An
additional initiative under this strategy is to expand private EV charging infrastructure and
encourage private businesses to offer charging stations for EVs.
Program name: Depave SLP (in coordination with Engineering, Community
Development, and Parks & Recreation)
CAP goal(s): Advanced strategies
Description: Offers cost share for commercial property owners to turn unused parking spaces
into green space, lowering surface temperatures, improving air quality and reducing
stormwater runoff
Sectors: Commercial & industrial, multifamily
Equity component: Larger cost share for areas experiencing higher surface temperatures (urban
heat island)
Risks: Success depends on property owners’ willingness to demolish parking spaces
CAP strategies’ annual target: N/A (no targets listed for Advanced Strategies)
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 2)
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Appendix B: Other 2024 sustainability initiatives
Other sustainability projects, programs and policies under development or
consideration
• Tracking notices of funding opportunity and completing applications for state
and federal grants (see next page)
• Idling reduction fleet policy and Idle-Free SLP public educational campaign
• Efficient Building Benchmarking ordinance administration
• Climate equity map and Environmental Stewardship dashboard
• Energy assistance programs (promoting, coordinating providers and advocating
for improvements)
• Various work groups and coalitions, including:
• Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) Cities and
Communities Coalition
• Hennepin County EV and tree policy work groups
• MnDOT Local Agency Vehicle Miles Traveled work group
These projects, programs and policies are not incentive-based and therefore not funded from
the CIF.
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 2)
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Grant applications summary
Staff routinely seek out grant funding opportunities from partners at the federal and state level and from foundations and will add
additional programs or projects to the work plan or supplement funding for planned programs as opportunities arise. A summary of
recent grant applications and their disposition is below.
PROGRAM NAME
FUNDING
ORGANIZATION PURPOSE AND PROJECT
FUNDING
SOUGHT
STATUS
(submitted,
accepted,
awarded, not
awarded)
EECBG (Energy
Efficiency
Community Block
Grant)
US Dept of
Energy/IIJA
Purpose: to assist eligible local governments, states
and territories, and Indian tribes in implementing
strategies to:
Reduce fossil fuel emissions.
Reduce the total energy use of the eligible entities.
Improve energy efficiency in the transportation,
building, and other appropriate sectors.
Project: Staff applied for funds to replace aging high-
bay garage doors at the MSC with high-speed garage
doors to trap more heat during the winter.
$114,140
(formula funds) Accepted
Climate Pollution
Reduction grants
(CPRG) US EPA/IRA
Purpose: Competitive grants to implement GHG
pollution reduction. Many of the details are to be
determined by EPA, but applications for funding will
need to include “information regarding the degree
to which greenhouse gas air pollution is projected to
be reduced in total and with respect to low-income
and disadvantaged communities.” Funding is to Varies Submitted
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 2)
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remain available until September 30, 2026 (Sec.
60114).
Projects (as supporter or coalition member):
• City of Saint Paul (lead) application for
expanding HOURCAR hubs near transit stations
• City of Minneapolis (lead) application for
expanding commercial energy efficiency
programs
• MPCA (lead)/Met Council (coordination)
application for Equitable Residential
Decarbonization
Local climate
action grant
program MPCA
Purpose: Develop or implement plans of action that
enable local jurisdictions to adapt to extreme
weather events and a changing climate (i.e., already
becoming warmer and wetter with more damaging
rains and cold weather warming; and expected to
have more extreme heat and drought in the future),
and/or to reduce the local jurisdiction’s
contributions to the causes of climate change.
Project: Public level 2 chargers at Aquila Park
$20,000
(requires 50%
match) Submitted
Energy Futures
planning grant
US Dept of
Energy
Purpose: Support local, state, and Tribal
government-led partnership efforts that will help
scale local strategies that increase resiliency and
improve access to affordable clean energy.
Project (as coalition member): City of Saint Paul
(lead) application for modeling pathways to get IRA
funds into LIDAC communities $500,000 Awarded
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 2)
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Additionally, within the IRA, the Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit has been extended and modified so that non-tax-paying
entities may receive (via “direct pay”) the financial benefit of the tax credits if they meet requirements for domestically produced
construction materials. Staff will work to ensure these funds are received for the solar installations at The Rec Center and Fire
Station 1 and for any heavy-duty clean vehicles.
Sustainability staff has provided the relevant departments with information about provisions within the IRA and IIJA which may
provide financial benefits to internal projects within their areas and will continue to monitor opportunities closely to determine how
to maximize public dollars.
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 2)
Title: Environmental Stewardship system kick-off Page 13
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: May 28, 2024
Discussion item: 3
Executive summary
Title: Efficient Building Benchmarking program administration
Recommended action: This report is provided as a basis for council discussion needed to give
direction to staff on next steps.
Policy consideration: Is council supportive of the staff and environment and sustainability
commission’s recommendation to rescind the Efficient Building Benchmarking ordinance and
allow the Minnesota Department of Commerce to take over management of benchmarking city
buildings under the new state program?
Summary: In 2019, city council adopted the Efficient Building Benchmarking ordinance, which
requires owners of commercial, multifamily and public buildings 25,000 square feet or larger to
report annual whole building energy and water use in order to benchmark energy consumption
and motivate performance improvement. This spring will mark the fifth year that the city has
required energy and water data collection from approximately 220 buildings.
The results of the benchmarking program have been inconclusive. A staff analysis found a four
(4)percent decrease in weather-normalized energy use intensity between calendar years 2019
and 2022, however, this is an increase in energy over the previous calendar years’ analysis and
only reflect a fraction of buildings. A 2023 survey of benchmarked building representatives
found that building owners are making energy improvements for reasons unrelated to the
benchmarking ordinance.
During the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers passed a Statewide Building Energy Use
Benchmarking statute. Council has the option to uphold the benchmarking ordinance or rescind
the ordinance in favor of the state program. Staff recommends rescinding the Efficient Building
Benchmarking ordinance and allowing the state to take over administration of benchmarking
buildings in St. Louis Park. The environment and sustainability commission supports this
recommendation.
Financial or budget considerations: The Efficient Building Benchmarking ordinance requires
resources to administer. Should council decide to rescind the benchmarking ordinance, an
estimated $26,000 expenditure for 2025 help desk services, in addition to approximately 100
hours per year in staff time, will be saved and could be reallocated.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to continue to lead in
environmental stewardship.
Supporting documents: Discussion
Prepared by: Emily Ziring, sustainability manager
Reviewed by: Brian Hoffman, building & energy director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 3) Page 2
Title: Efficient Building Benchmarking program administration
Discussion
Background:
Ordinance adoption
The Climate Action Plan includes a midterm goal to reduce energy consumption in large
commercial buildings 30% by the year 2030. To support this, the city council passed the
Efficient Building Benchmarking ordinance in December 2019, requiring owners of commercial,
multifamily, and public buildings 25,000 square feet or larger to report the prior year’s annual
whole building energy and water use by June 1 of each year. There are currently 221 buildings
required to comply with the ordinance.
2024 will mark the fifth year that energy data has been collected on these buildings (for
calendar years 2019 through 2023, inclusive).
The purpose of the program is to:
• Motivate performance improvement through capital investments and more efficient
operations, creating or supporting local jobs
• Reveal long-term utility cost savings opportunities to property owners
• Provide owners the ability to compare the performance of a building to itself, its peers,
and to industry standards
• Inform energy policy (e.g., which types of buildings to target for additional energy
efficiency programs)
• Prepare for possibility of state legislation enabling Building Performance Standards (BPS)
by getting buildings on Energy Star Portfolio Manager
As of July 2022, four states and over two dozen cities across the country have adopted
benchmarking laws. A number of those jurisdictions have reported energy savings associated
with benchmarking policies, which is what led the environment and sustainability commission
to recommend that council adopt this ordinance in 2019.
Benchmarking results are publicly available via a county-wide, web-based interactive map that
updates automatically as new building reports are submitted. The interactive map design allows
users to view benchmarking compliance statistics, Energy Star rating, Energy Use Intensity (EUI,
or total energy used per square foot), and to compare buildings by size, type and location.
Collective results can be utilized by building owners to compare their building performance
with buildings of similar types within the county.
Compliance history
While city staff oversees the administration of the ordinance and helps to troubleshoot and
resolve issues (exemptions, extensions, unusual metering configurations, etc.), Touchstone IQ
handles the day-to-day project management responsibilities during the compliance period.
Touchstone IQ staff is responsible for outreach to property owners, maintaining a contact
database, annual training, technical assistance, vetting of data submitted, generating and
sending customized report cards to property owners, and providing reports to the city.
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 3) Page 3
Title: Efficient Building Benchmarking program administration
Touchstone IQ works under contracts with St. Louis Park, Edina, Bloomington and Saint Paul to
provide these services.
City staff and Touchstone IQ work directly with property owners who do not meet the June 1
deadline to improve program participation. During the first year, and given the hardships
encountered because of COVID, the department made the decision not to issue any penalties to
non-compliant property owners. As conditions improved in 2021 and 2022, staff strongly
encouraged compliance; this resulted in a high watermark compliance rate of 81% in 2022 .
Owners continuing to ignore the ordinance and not enter data are technically subject to an
administrative penalty or misdemeanor (as with all code requirements).
Results to date and building owners’ survey
Results from the benchmarking ordinance have been ambiguous and inconclusive. Staff found a
four (4) percent decrease in weather-normalized energy use intensity between calendar years
2019 and 2022. This reduction, however, should be viewed with some caution:
• A proper analysis requires including only buildings that provided data for more than one
year and excluding those that only reported partial data or data for just one year. This
leaves only 71 buildings.
• These buildings would be expected to be different, with compliant program participants
likely having a self-selection bias towards energy efficiency and reductions in energy
use.
• The effect of COVID on building use and occupancy over time may play a factor.
• Even small data errors can cause significant inaccuracies in the results, and the data
collected involve opportunities for both systematic and random errors.
While some of the buildings that reported four years’ worth of data show reductions in EUI, this
percentage does not linearly follow the reduction seen by analyzing only three years’ worth of
data (2019 through 2021), when an 8% reduction was found across 83 buildings that reported.
At the conclusion of the third year of benchmarking data collection, staff decided to dedicate
time researching the impacts of the ordinance to answer the question, how does the city know
whether the ordinance is meeting its intended purpose? In January 2023, staff surveyed
property owners and managers to find the answer.
An online survey was created and sent to 216 building representatives. 17 of those buildings did
not have accurate contact information and the email bounced back. Of the 199 buildings
reached, 25 completed the survey (a 13% response rate). Three respondents representing more
than one building completed the survey, meaning that 28 buildings are represented in the
results. Two additional building owners declined to take the survey but emailed their
comments. Nearly all respondents are local property owners or managers.
Among other takeaways (including comments about the time required to benchmark and the
lack of staff available to handle the task), respondents shared that they are making energy
improvements—and in most cases those who are making improvements are doing it for
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 3) Page 4
Title: Efficient Building Benchmarking program administration
reasons that have nothing to do with the annual energy and water report card provided
through benchmarking.
Overall, staff has no ability to determine whether there is a causal relationship between
benchmarking and energy impacts or whether the relationship is simply correlative.
Statewide Building Energy Use Benchmarking statute
During the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers passed a Statewide Building Energy Use
Benchmarking statute requiring energy benchmarking for all Class 1 and Class 2 buildings in the
following locations:
• Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington Counties; and
• Any city outside the metropolitan area with a population of over 50,000 residents that
has one or more buildings with a square footage of 50,000 SF or more.
For purposes of the program, properties are classified and must report as follows:
• Class 1 properties (100,000 square feet and greater) in the above locations must start
reporting energy use data by June 1, 2025.
• Class 2 properties (50,000 square feet – 99,999 square feet) in the above locations must
start reporting energy use data by June 1, 2026.
The program will be administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. The state
program is nearly identical to the city’s program in terms of process, exceptions and data
disclosure to the public.
Buildings subject to existing benchmarking requirements by the state, a city , or other political
subdivision may continue to follow those requirements if they are equivalent to or more
stringent than the Statewide Building Energy Use Benchmarking program.
Present considerations:
Because the city’s ordinance is more stringent than the state statute (the city ordinance
includes all buildings greater than 25,000 square feet, as well as requiring annual water data),
council has the option to uphold the benchmarking ordinance or rescind the ordinance in favor
of the state managing benchmarking of St. Louis Park buildings.
Staff notes the following reasons to recommend rescission:
• Save an estimated $26,000 each year (or more depending on future contract price)
indefinitely in help desk services
• Save approximately 100 hours per year in staff time, which could be spent applying for
and managing the many federal grant opportunities expected to be announced in 2024-
2025
• Align with other municipalities in Minnesota that currently require benchmarking and
are likely to rescind their ordinances, including Edina, Bloomington, and Saint Paul
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 3) Page 5
Title: Efficient Building Benchmarking program administration
• Demonstrate to local property owners that the city is listening and responding to their
concerns about the program. It would help to improve the relationship between these
property owners and sustainability staff, who need these property owners to participa te
willingly in city programs to improve their building efficiency and meet climate goals.
Some local building owners and managers contact the city every year, noting that they
do not have the staff to handle benchmarking or stating that their utility dat a is private
and the city is not entitled to it. This has created an adversarial relationship between
some building owners and sustainability staff.
The environment and sustainability commission has reviewed and discussed the program’s
challenges and paths forward and is supportive of the staff recommendation.
Next steps: If council is supportive of rescinding the Efficient Building Benchmarking ordinance,
staff will return to council with an ordinance amendment.
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: May 28, 2024
Written report: 4
Executive summary
Title: Hennepin Energy Recovery Center closure plan update
Recommended action: None. The purpose of this report is to provide an update on Hennepin
County’s closure plan for the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) and how it affects the
City of St. Louis Park.
Policy consideration: None
Summary: Hennepin County has overseen the operation of an incinerator in downtown
Minneapolis since 1989. Garbage from St. Louis Park’s organized collection program is hauled
by the city’s garbage collection contractor, The Buckingham Companies, to the Hennepin
Energy Recovery Center (HERC).
On Oct. 24, 2023 the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners directed county staff to
develop a closure plan for the HERC. Feedback was requested from cities and St. Louis Park,
along with over 16 other cities within Hennepin County provided letters and/or resolutions
cautioning the county on a premature closure and the unintended environmental and financial
consequences that may result from doing so.
At a Jan. 25, 2024 Hennepin County board meeting, county staff outlined a plan for the
responsible closure of the HERC called “Reimagining the solid waste system.” The plan did not
state a specific date for closure. Instead, it outlined conditions to be met to close down the
HERC, including strategies outlined in the county’s Zero Waste Plan. Many of these conditions
require legislative changes.
This report outlines the 12 highest priority zero-waste actions identified by the county and how
they may affect city programs and next steps for planning.
Financial or budget considerations: None at this time. However, staff anticipates future
changes in funding mechanisms and will return to council at a later date with more information.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to continue to lead in
environmental stewardship.
Supporting documents: Discussion
Prepared by: Kala Fisher, public services superintendent
Reviewed by: Jay Hall, public works director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
City council meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 4) Page 2
Title: Hennepin Energy Recovery Center closure plan update
Discussion
Background:
Hennepin County has overseen the operation of an incinerator in downtown Minneapolis since
1989. Garbage from St. Louis Park’s organized collection program is hauled by the city’s garbage
collection contractor, The Buckingham Companies, to the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center
(HERC).
On Oct. 24, 2023 the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners directed county staff to
develop a closure plan for the HERC. Feedback was requested from cities and St. Louis Park,
along with over 16 other cities within Hennepin County provided letters and/or resolutions
cautioning the county on a premature closure and the unintended environmental and financial
consequences that may result from doing so.
At a Jan. 25, 2024 board meeting county staff outlined a plan for the responsible closure of the
HERC called “Reimagining the solid waste system.” The plan did not state a specific date for
closure. Instead, it outlined conditions to be met in order to close down the HERC, including
several strategies already outlined in the county’s Zero Waste Plan. The conditions fall into the
four categories identified by the county, below:
• Passing an extended producer responsibility law at the state legislature to require
producers of packaging to take responsibility for that packaging all the way from design
to recycling or safe disposal.
• Securing adequate funding for zero-waste initiatives by using all revenue from the
state’s solid waste management tax on waste management activities.
• Banning recyclable materials, such as cardboard or mattresses, and organic materials
like food scraps from landfills.
• Recovering recyclable and organic materials from the trash by developing a recycling
recovery facility, which would use a variety of technologies to sort cardboard, metal,
some plastics, and organics materials from the trash for reuse or recycling.
Present considerations:
Hennepin County has acknowledged that certain conditions need to occur prior to closing HERC
in order to avoid significant increases in green-house gas emissions due to hauling garbage to
landfills instead. Many of these conditions are outside of Hennepin County’s control and
require that a significant number of legislative changes take place before closure. The 12
highest impact zero-waste actions are listed below in order of approach and the governing body
or bodies responsible. While cities are only listed as a responsible governing body under action
number five, staff have noted anticipated city involvement under most of the activities.
1. Prioritize extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging (Legislature)
o Note: EPR language is in the current budget bill sent to Governor Walz on May
19, 2024. If enacted this bill would provide additional funding for recycling and
organics collection programs.
2. Secure adequate funding for zero-waste initiatives through SCORE and other sources
(Legislature).
o Note: County expects the city to expand programming with the added funding.
City council meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 4) Page 3
Title: Hennepin Energy Recovery Center closure plan update
3. Ban recyclable and organic materials from landfills (Legislature and MPCA)
o Note: County expects collaboration with cities on implementation, policy
changes, outreach, and education.
4. Recover recyclable materials from the trash – recycling recovery facility (Legislature
and county)
o Note: This would not replace curbside recycling programs, instead it pulls select
recyclable materials from the trash that aren’t currently being separated by
residents/businesses.
5. Support the transition to organized collection across Hennepin County (Legislature,
county, and cities)
o Note: This includes phased implementation, with multifamily and commercial
collection at phase three. Staff will be monitoring for this phase specifically as it
is not part of our current organized collection programming.
6. Increase compliance with Ordinance 13 and expand requirements (County)
o Note: County expects cities to better enforce their own existing city recycling
ordinance requirements and possibly implement additional requirements.
7. Develop and implement a plan to eliminate food waste (Legislature and county)
o Note: County expects cities to promote programs and initiatives to residents and
businesses.
8. Expand collection and drop-off options for hard-to-recycle items (Legislature and
county)
o Note: County expects cities to lead or collaborate on implementation of
programs or partnering with the county on providing new drop-off locations.
9. Reduce single-use plastics and plastic packaging (Legislature and producers)
o Note: County expects cities to collaborate with them on implementation, policy
changes, and enforcement.
10. Increase the reuse and recycling of construction and demolition waste (Legislature)
o Note: County expects cities to continue to support deconstruction through
funding and program initiatives.
11. Mandate participation in recycling and composting programs (Legislature and county)
o Note: County expects cities to better enforce existing requirements and
potentially implement county requirements.
12. Ensure every individual has equitable access to zero-waste tools (Legislature and
county)
o Note: County expects cities to collaborate with them and community groups on
implementation by improving access and increasing education, outreach, and
programming.
Hennepin County Solid Waste Management Plan
Another important piece of planning for HERC’s closure is the development of the county’s
2024 solid waste management plan (SWMP). This plan is required by the Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency in order for the county to receive SCORE funding. Hennepin County passes
these funds on to the city through Residential Waste Reduction and Recycling Funding Policy
agreements. Under this agreement, the city implements many of the waste reduction, reuse
and recycling activities identified in the county’s SWMP. The city uses the SCORE funds to offset
recycling and organics collection program costs.
City council meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 4) Page 4
Title: Hennepin Energy Recovery Center closure plan update
Residential Waste Reduction and Recycling Funding Policy
The city currently has a Residential Waste Reduction and Recycling Funding Policy agreement
with Hennepin County that will expire Dec. 31, 2025. Staff expect that any new program
requirements may be incorporated into the next funding policy agreement.
Next steps:
• Sept. 2024 – Dec. 2024 – Staff will engage in development process of Hennepin County
Solid Waste Management Plan. The county will release their draft plan for public
comment in September 2024. A final plan will be submitted to their county board for
approval by the end of the year.
• Dec. 2025 - A new Residential Waste Reduction and Recycling Funding Policy agreement
with Hennepin County will be brought to council for approval.
• Ongoing - Staff will continue to monitor legislative changes and county policy
developments related to the HERC closure plan and provide updates to city council,
including additional or new programing, as needed.
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: May 28, 2024
Written report: 5
Executive summary
Title: Setting a tree canopy goal
Recommended action: No action requested.
Policy consideration: None at this time. The purpose of this report is to set long-term goals for
maintaining and growing the city’s tree canopy. These goals will lay the foundation for future
discussions on tree preservation as part of the Environmental Stewardship system.
Summary: In keeping with council direction, staff has researched an appropriate long-term tree
canopy goal and determined for that it should be as follows: 30% tree canopy coverage in the
city by the end of 2035 and 35% tree canopy coverage by the end of 2045. These goals were
developed using multiple indicators including the current tree canopy percentage, the
maximum potential canopy percentage and findings from research of similar goals in adjacent
communities. Staff also considered other dynamic and more unpredictable factors such as the
number of remaining private property ash trees that will succumb to emerald ash borer, future
developments and road projects, weather, tree removals from natural decline in mature trees
and pressure from invasive pests.
The city currently implements programs and policies for tree protection and planting to
enhance the local tree canopy and help achieve these long-term tree canopy goals. Some of
these programs and policies have been in place for many years, while others began after staff
last met with council to discuss this topic in August 2023. Staff and council will also explore new
tree preservation strategies including ordinance updates to promote mature tree preservation
at a June study session.
Financial or budget considerations: None.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to continue to lead in
environmental stewardship.
Supporting documents: Discussion
Aug. 28, 2023 study session minutes
Prepared by: Michael Bahe, natural resources manager
Reviewed by: Jason T. West, parks and recreation director
Cindy Walsh, deputy city manager
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 5) Page 2
Title: Setting a tree canopy goal
Discussion
Background:
Tree canopy goal
Tree canopy definition
A calculation of estimated tree canopy is the percentage of ground that is covered by tree
leaves during the growing season, inclusive of all public and private trees, when viewed from
above. This process uses high-resolution aerial imagery data to identify tree crowns in a specific
geography. The combined area of all tree crowns represents the total tree canopy. This
measurement is then divided by total city land area to determine the percentage of canopy
cover.
April 2022 tree canopy percentage goal
Council members Kraft, Rog and Brausen proposed a study session topic on establishing a tree
canopy percentage goal. A staff analysis was prepared and discussed in April 2022. The city
council agreed that a tree inventory should be completed so that current conditions are known
prior to adoption of any new tree policies or goals. A tree inventory differs from a tree canopy
calculation in that a tree inventory is intended to create a detailed database of trees with
individual tree attributes collected. An update to the 2020 inventory of public trees is underway
by members of the Climate Impact Corps Community Forestry Initiative. These members have
been in the field since February 2023 collecting data on all boulevard and park trees; this work
should be complete by 2027.
Tree canopy percentage estimates: 2022 to present
Council was presented with the estimate of our current tree canopy and noted that it continues
to decline due to emerald ash borer (EAB), Dutch elm disease, oak decline and development
projects which replace existing mature trees with young trees. Tree canopy percentage based
on 2022 data in St. Louis Park was reported at 33.6% to city council at the Aug. 28, 2023 study
session. (After more review of the data, city GIS staff lowered the estimated 2022 percentage
to 29%.) At that meeting, staff recommended setting a tree canopy goal with the understanding
that the tree canopy coverage would decrease further before it increases. Council agreed with
this recommendation and asked staff to determine the appropriate goal. This trend was
confirmed as data from 2023 showed the tree canopy value had dropped to 28.5%.
Present considerations
Establishing a long-term tree canopy goal
Determining potential canopy maximum
To set a tree canopy percentage goal, it is critical to understand the maximum possible canopy
value. City staff determined the maximum potential canopy in the city is 52.6%. Factors that
reduce the potential canopy percentage from 100% include athletic fields, golf courses, city
roads, state highway rights of way, buildings and other impervious surfaces. This number is an
upper limit target but will never be achieved citywide due to annual mortality and replacement
as part of a natural system. There likely are opportunities, however, to achieve this percentage
or higher in individual census tracts. The long-term tree canopy goal should fall between the
current tree canopy value and the maximum potential tree canopy value.
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 5) Page 3
Title: Setting a tree canopy goal
Canopy status:
• St. Louis Park total land acreage: 6,912 acres
• 2023 canopy coverage: 28.5% or 1,970 acres
Long-term canopy goal
Goal 1: 30% by 2035 (midterm goal)
Staff is setting a midterm goal of 1.5% (104 acres) increase in tree canopy by 2035. This goal
accounts for continued tree canopy percentage decline from EAB in the next three to five years
and delayed growth of newly planted trees during the two to five years it takes to recover from
planting stress. The extreme deficit in summer precipitation over the past few years will also
likely delay growth of the 2020-2023 tree cohorts.
As previously mentioned, tree canopy coverage in the city declined 0.5% from 2022 to 2023,
which was a lower decline than anticipated. This may result from implementation of city
initiatives such as increases in EAB preventative treatments in ash trees and city tree planting
programs, along with a greater focus on tree preservation.
Goal 2: 35% by 2045
Staff is setting a secondary goal of 6.5% (449 acres) increase in tree canopy by 2045. This goal is
higher because it assumes a reduction in tree loss and an increasingly resilient urban forest
between 2035 and 2045. During this time, tree loss from EAB will slow significantly as most ash
trees will already be dead, removed or treated. Additionally, the city’s current initiatives to
diversify species of newly planted trees will make the urban forest more resilient to future
species-specific diseases or infestations. These potential threats to the tree canopy should
therefore have a lower impact compared to EAB and Dutch elm disease.
It is also expected that, during this period, the large quantity of trees that are currently being
planted will be well established and contributing larger gains to the canopy percentage.
Goal development
Staff considered multiple factors when developing St. Louis Park’s canopy goal. City staff, with
assistance from a Climate Impact Corps member serving with the city, researched over 140
communities in the Twin Cities metropolitan area to learn what other communities have set for
tree canopy percentage goals. Of those, 25 stated a goal to “increase canopy” but did not
provide a specific number; seven communities identified specific tree canopy percentage goals
ranging from increases of 3% to 4% over a ten-year period.
Several other dynamic factors were considered which are difficult to quantify including:
• Number of remaining private property ash trees that will succumb to EAB
• Future developments and road projects
• Weather (droughts, storms, etc.)
• Tree removals from natural decline in mature trees
• Pressure from invasive pests
Staff also considered quantifiable data such as past canopy percentages, potential canopy
percentage, available right of way planting sites, number of remaining inventoried public ash
trees, and current inventoried public property tree population diameter histogram.
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 5) Page 4
Title: Setting a tree canopy goal
Strategies to achieve canopy goals:
The city currently implements programs and policies for tree protection and planting to
enhance the local tree canopy. Some of these programs and policies have been in place for
many years, while others began after staff last met with council to discuss this topic in August
2023. Staff and council will also explore new tree preservation strategies at a June study
session, including ordinance updates to promote mature tree preservation.
Below are current and developing tree canopy enhancement programs:
Tree planting
Title Description Status Property type
Annual tree sale City subsidized tree planting
program for residents to buy
trees to plant on their
properties.
Existing, 10+
years
Private
Full-service tree
planting program
City subsidized tree planting
program for residents to buy
trees and have them planted
on their property by a city
contractor.
Existing, est.
2022
Private residential
Shade SLP City cost share tree planting
program for commercial
properties.
Existing, est.
2022
Private commercial
Shade SLP Plus 100% cost covered planting
program for residential
properties in response to ash
removals. Income based.
State grant funded program.
Existing,
2023-2026
(or until
funds are
used up).
Private residential
Depave SLP City cost share program to
remove pavement (asphalt or
concrete) and replace it with
native plants, trees, rain
gardens, pollinator habitats
or permeable pavers.
Existing, est.
2023
Private commercial
Tree replacement Replacement of removed
public trees at a 1:1 ratio of
diameter at standard height.
Existing, 10+
years
Public right of way or
parks
Tree replacement –
development fees
Planting of trees on public
properties with fees collected
from development projects.
This includes trees planted in
boulevards from resident
requests.
Existing, 10+
years
Public right of way,
parks and Westwood
Hills Nature Center
Landscaping
requirements
Planting new trees and
shrubs on public and private
land to meet minimum
landscaping requirements,
Existing, 30+
years
Private and public
lands, including city
right-of-way adjacent
to sites. Only State
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 5) Page 5
Title: Setting a tree canopy goal
whether there are removals
or not.
and County
lands/projects are
not technically
subject to the city
requirements.
Tree preservation
Title Description Status Property type
Ash tree EAB
preventive injection
discount
Bulk rate discount for
residents through city
contract with contractor.
Existing, est.
2016
Private
City ash tree EAB
preventive injection
Injection of public ash trees
on city boulevards, parks and
city properties. Trees 15” in
diameter or greater.
Currently 1200+ trees
injected on three-year cycle.
Updated in 2024 per city
council request: Large ash
over 25” diameter moved to
two-year cycle for better
protection.
Updated in
2024;
Existing, est.
2016
Public
Oak and elm tree
disease & insect
protection program
15% cost share with residents
who inject their trees to
protect them from Dutch elm
disease and oak wilt.
Updated in 2024 per city
council request: Cost share
increased to 50% or 75%
based on income. Now
includes two-lined chestnut
borer treatments in oak
trees.
City now covering injection of
city boulevard elm trees that
were previously paid for by
the adjacent property owner.
Updated in
2024;
Existing, 10+
years.
Private, public
Oak tree
management
information
Request from city council:
develop information for
residents to increase the
health of oak trees in the city.
Web page and brochure in
Coming May
2024
Private
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 5) Page 6
Title: Setting a tree canopy goal
development. Expected
completion May 2024.
Tree protection
ordinances: Zoning
(Chapter 36)
Requirements for commercial
developments and lot
divisions to preserve existing
trees or replace removed
trees during construction.
Updates to tree preservation
ordinance proposed for 2025
per council request.
Scheduled to be presented
during 2024 Environmental
Stewardship system.
Planned
ordinance
update for
2025;
Existing, 10+
years.
Private, public
Tree protection
ordinances:
Vegetation (Chapter
34)
Ordinances protecting public
trees from damage or
removal, and protection of all
trees from certain diseases
and infestations.
Existing, 10+
years
Private, public
Next steps: Staff will proceed administratively with the tree canopy goals detailed above. The
tree canopy goals of 30% tree canopy coverage in the city by the end of 2035 and 35% tree
canopy coverage by the end of 2045 will be added to the Urban Forestry Management Plan.
At the June 10 council study session, staff will present a set of tree preservation code
amendments for council to discuss. Should council wish to adopt these amendments, staff will
write council actions for formal adoption in July-August 2024.
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: May 28, 2024
Written report: 6
Executive summary
Title: Annual Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program report
Recommended action: This report is intended to provide the council with a summary of
activities undertaken by the city in 2023 to meet the city’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer
System (MS4) permit and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) requirements.
Policy consideration: None
Summary: The City of St. Louis Park is permitted by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
(MPCA) for the discharge of stormwater from the city’s storm sewer system into waters of the
state, such as Minnehaha Creek. This permit is required based on an amendment to the
Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Water Act (CWA) and the creation of the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). St Louis Park, along with over 200
other Minnesota cities, are permitted as MS4 communities.
Each year, as a condition of the permit, the city conducts a review of its SWPPP to determine
program compliance, the appropriateness of best management practices (BMPs) and progress
toward achieving the identified goals. City staff completed an annual review of the activities to
ensure compliance. However, the MPCA is in the process of updating their electronic reporting
platform; due to this, MS4 permittees covered by the 2020 MS4 General Permit, are not
required to submit an annual report for the calendar year 2023. When MPCA releases its new e-
service submittal program sometime in 2025, the city will report MS4 activities for the previous
years (i.e., calendar years 2022, 2023, and 2024).
To provide the public with opportunities to offer input on the adequacy of the SWPPP, it and
the annual report are located on the city’s stormwater management webpage, along with a link
to submit questions or add comments about the program. Staff also held a public open house
to share the city’s stormwater program activities on April 20 in the Westwood Hills Nature
Center.
Financial or budget considerations: Not applicable at this time.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to continue to lead in
environmental stewardship.
Supporting documents: Discussion
2023 SWPPP Stormwater Activity Highlights
Prepared by: Erick Francis, water resources manager
Reviewed by: Debra Heiser, engineering director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 6) Page 2
Title: Annual Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program report
Discussion
Background: The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate
Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit establishes conditions for discharging stormwater and other
related discharges into the waters of the state. Operators of regulated small MS4s are required
to design their Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) to:
• Reduce the discharge of pollutants to the “maximum extent practicable” (MEP)
• Protect water quality
• Satisfy the appropriate water quality requirements of the Clean Water Act
The EPA’s Phase II Rule defines a small MS4 stormwater management program as a program
comprising six elements that, when implemented in concert, are expected to result in
significant reductions of pollutants discharged into receiving water bodies. The SWPPP is
broken out into six program elements, termed Minimum Control Measures (MCMs). These are:
MCM 1 Public education and outreach
Distributing educational materials and performing outreach to inform citizens about
the impacts polluted stormwater runoff discharges can have on water quality.
MCM 2 Public participation/ involvement
Providing opportunities for citizens to participate in program development and
implementation, including effectively publicizing public hearings and/or encouraging
citizen representatives on a stormwater management panel.
MCM3 Illicit discharge detection and elimination
Developing and implementing a plan to detect and eliminate illicit discharges to the
storm sewer system (includes developing a system map and informing the
community about hazards associated with illegal discharges and improper disposal of
waste).
MCM 4 Construction site runoff control
Developing, implementing, and enforcing an erosion and sediment control program
for construction activities that disturb one or more acres of land (controls could
include silt fences and temporary stormwater detention ponds).
MCM 5 Post-construction runoff control
Developing, implementing, and enforcing a program to address discharges of post-
construction stormwater runoff from new development and redevelopment areas.
Applicable controls could include preventative actions such as protecting sensitive
areas (e.g., wetlands) or the use of structural BMPs.
MCM 6 Pollution prevention/ good housekeeping
Developing and implementing a program with the goal of preventing or reducing
pollutant runoff from municipal operations. The program must include municipal
staff training on pollution prevention measures and techniques (e.g., regular street
sweeping, reduction in the use of pesticides or street salt, or frequent catch-basin
cleaning).
Implementation of the MEP standard will typically require the development and
implementation of best management practices (BMPs) and the achievement of measurable
goals to satisfy each of the six MCMs.
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 6) Page 3
Title: Annual Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program report
BMPs are practices, techniques and measures that prevent or reduce water pollution from
nonpoint sources by using the most effective and practicable means of achieving water quality
goals. BMPs include but are not limited to, official controls, structural and nonstructural
controls and operation and maintenance procedures.
Each year, as a condition of the permit, the city conducts a review of its SWPPP to determine
program compliance, the appropriateness of BMPs and progress toward achieving the
identified goals. To achieve this, staff performs an annual review of the activities completed to
ensure compliance.
Updates to the MS4 annual report process: Since 2021, the MPCA has been in the process of
developing a new e-service for the MS4 annual report. In addition, the MPCA is revising/
updating many annual report questions to align with the requirements in the 2020 MS4 General
Permit and meet the requirements of the federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) Electronic Reporting Rule. Since the MPCA does not have an annual reporting
system in place yet, MS4 permittees that have coverage under the 2020 MS4 General Permit do
not need to submit an annual report to the MPCA for the calendar year 2023. Instead, when the
e-service is released, MS4 permittees will be expected to report MS4 activities for each
previous reporting year (i.e., calendar years 2022, 2023, and 2024). The MPCA will
communicate to MS4 permittees when the new e-service becomes available but tentatively
anticipates the e-service will be released in 2025.
SWPPP review: St. Louis Park is covered by the 2020 MS4 General Permit and is therefore not
required to submit an annual report to the MPCA for the calendar year 2023 at this time.
However, staff completed its assessment of St. Louis Park’s SWPPP to stay on top of progress
and make reporting easier once the MPCA releases their e-service in 2025.
The city’s SWPPP is located on the city’s stormwater management webpage:
https://www.stlouisparkmn.gov/government/departments-divisions/engineering/stormwater-
management/stormwater-pollution-prevention-program-swppp
The information requested by the MPCA in the report is meant to provide the basis for an
assessment of the appropriateness of the BMPs and the progress that has been made toward
achieving the identified goals for each of the MCMs. This assessment is based on results
collected and analyzed from inspection findings and public input received during the reporting
period.
The city provides the public with opportunities to offer input on the adequacy of the SWPPP. In
addition to providing this report to the council, staff actively promotes the stormwater
management program using city publications, social media, and events, as well as having a
dedicated public meeting each year, which was held in the Westwood Hills Nature Center on
April 20, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Staff is committed to implementing the SWPPP and maintaining a high level of compliance with
our MS4 permit. This includes continuing to review and refine 1) city processes to reduce
pollutants from entering surface waters and 2) record-keeping procedures.
St. Louis Park Engineering Department • 5005 Minnetonka Blvd., St. Louis Park, MN 55416
www.stlouisparkmn.gov • Phone: 952.924.2656 • Fax: 952.924.2662 • TTY: 952.924.2518
Stormwater Pollution
Prevention Program
2023 Activities
The MS4 General permit (Permit) is designed to reduce the amount of sediment and other
pollutants that enter state waters from stormwater systems. Entities regulated by the MS4
general permit must develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP or Program)
and adopt best management practices (BMPs).
In compliance with Permit requirements, the City of St. Louis Park has developed Standard
Operating Procedures (SOPs) for each of the six minimum control measure (MCM), Emergency
Response Procedures (ERPs), and supplemental documentation. These documents are available
upon request. The items documented below serve as the 2023 annual assessment of MCM
activities completed.
MCM‐1: Public education and outreach activities
Permit requirement: Permittees shall develop and implement a public education program and
distribute educational materials that inform the public of the impact stormwater discharges
have on water bodies and that include actions citizens, businesses, and other local
organizations can take to reduce the discharge of pollutants to stormwater.
The following are activities completed in compliance with the Permit and the city’s Program:
•Distributed educational materials on two stormwater-related issues (permit
requirement 16.3), including:
o Rainwater Rewards Program:
The rainwater rewards program installed 35 rain gardens and received
$24,000 in grant funding from the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy
amendment.
o The effects of yard waste on water quality.
•Organized and facilitated the Metro Blooms Resilient Yard Workshop, Turf Alternative
Workshop, Resilient Shorelines, and Healthy Soils Workshop, part of the Rainwater
Rewards Program, with a total of 100 attendees.
•Distributed various stormwater management-related educational materials (permit
requirements 16.4-16.6), including two postings on pet waste, four on smart salting, and
one on illicit discharges.
o Circulated stormwater and environmental educational materials at Westwood Hills
Nature Center, which receives over 32,000 visitors annually.
o Published 12 stormwater articles in Park Perspective, Park and Recreation Guide,
Star Tribune, and Sun Sailor with distribution methods of newspapers and online
website postings. Topics included the Rainwater Rewards Program, Yard Waste
Management, Winter Maintenance, Pet Waste, and the Adopt-a-Drain program.
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 6)
Title: Annual Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program report Page 4
Page 2 of 5
o Received approximately 2,700 clicks on the city’s website about Program
information.
o Published 34 social media posts about stormwater management topics, including
the Rainwater Rewards Program, Yard Waste Management, Winter Maintenance,
Pet Waste, and the Adopt-a-Drain program. Targeted residents, businesses,
commercial facilities, and institutions.
MCM‐2: Public involvement and participation
Permit requirement: Permittees shall implement a public participation/involvement program
to solicit public input on the Program.
The following are activities completed (see Table 1) in compliance with the Permit sections
17.3‐17.7 and the city’s Program:
Table 1 Public events and meetings held (2023)
Activities Date Quantity/ Units
Adopt-a-Drain Open throughout the year 288 Participants
517 Drains adopted
MPCA Environmental Focus
Group Partner Attended one meeting 8 members
Steering Committee for the
Minnesota Cities Stormwater
Coalition
Monthly 200+ Member Cities
Metro Watershed Partners Quarterly meetings 50+ Partners
Annual Open House at
Westwood Hills Nature Center April 20, 2023 0 Attendees
Annual Rain Barrel Pick-up
event
May 7, 2023 156 Attendees/Barrels sold May 9, 2023
City Council S.S. Report June 12, 2023 N/A
Ecotacular June 17, 2023 50+ Attendees
The program materials are posted on the city’s website here; comments are welcomed at any
time and the comments received are available upon request.
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 6)
Title: Annual Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program report Page 5
Page 3 of 5
MCM‐3: Illicit discharge detection and elimination (IDDE)
Permit requirement: Permittees shall implement and enforce a program to detect and
eliminate illicit discharges into the city’s storm sewer system.
The following are activities completed in compliance with the Permit sections 18.8 ‐18.17 and
the city’s Program:
• Observed eight (8) illicit discharges and responded with verbal warnings and letters of
warning. ERPs and response documentation are available upon request (Permit
Requirement 18.13-18.14 and 18.17).
• Identified and inspected areas within the city that have an elevated potential for illicit
stormwater discharges or high-priority areas as described in Permit Requirement 18.10.
Maps of the high-priority areas are available upon request.
• Implemented a comprehensive training program (Permit Requirement 18.8-18.9) for
city field staff, including:
o Park and Recreation staff and Public Works (May 24)
o Engineering (May 25)
o Firefighters (May 9,11,16)
o Police Officers on (March 6, 7, 8)
o Building and Energy (May 11)
• Distributed illicit discharge detection and elimination information on social media
focused on reaching target audiences, including residents, businesses, institutions, and
commercial facilities.
• Developed a new Illicit discharge inspection and tracking mapping database using
cartograph (Permit Requirement 18.10-18.12). Inspection reports and maps are
available upon request.
MCM‐4: Construction site stormwater runoff control
Permit requirement: Permittees shall implement and enforce a construction site stormwater
runoff control program that reduces pollutants in stormwater runoff related to construction
activity.
The following are activities completed in compliance with the Permit sections 19.3‐19.15 and
the city’s Program:
• Reviewed 26 construction plans and issued 26 erosion control permits (Permit
Requirement 19.3-10).
• Performed 385 construction site inspections (Permit Requirement 19.7-19.9).
• Collected damage deposits for erosion control permits to aid in maintaining compliance.
• Issued six written notices of violation for noncompliance for projects greater than one
acre (Permit Requirement 19.12 and 19.15), which the contractor responded to our
violation notification.
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 6)
Title: Annual Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program report Page 6
Page 4 of 5
• Provided training to Engineering, and Building and Energy staff on May 11 and 25
(Permit Requirement 19.11)
MCM‐5: Post‐construction runoff control
Permit requirement: Permittees shall implement and enforce a post-construction stormwater
management program that prevents or reduces water pollution after construction activity is
completed.
The following are activities completed in compliance with the Permit sections 20.3‐20.17 and
the city’s Program:
• Completed stormwater management plan reviews for four projects (Permit
Requirement 20.3-20.14).
• Maintained mapped GIS inventory of structural stormwater BMPs not owned or
operated by the permittee (Permit Requirement 20.16). Maps are available upon
request.
• Engineering staff received training on February 2, May 4, September 29, and/or October
12 (Permit Requirement 20.18).
MCM‐6: Pollution prevention/good housekeeping for municipal operations
Permit requirement: Permittees shall develop and implement an operations and maintenance
program that prevents or reduces the discharge of pollutants from permittee-owned and
operated facilities.
The following are activities completed in compliance (Table 2) with the Permit sections 21.3‐
21.14 and the city’s Program:
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 6)
Title: Annual Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program report Page 7
Page 5 of 5
Table 2 Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping Practices Completed (2023)
Maintenance or operational
activity
Location/Element Quantity
Inspected
Storm sewer outfalls 172
Stormwater ponds 61
Stormwater management
best practices (Under Ground
vaults, tree trenches,
pervious pavers, rain
gardens)
23
Maintained Storm sewer, sump
manholes, and grit pit 9
Removed Westdale Pond 800 cubic yards of
accumulated sediment
Swept Streets and alleys
1,871 miles and removed
5,911 cubic yards of material
Planned weather postponed
maintenance
Storm sewer outfall
replacements 5
Lamplighter Pond 5,500 cubic yards of
accumulated sediment
In addition to the information presented in the table above, the city tallied 919 tons of
chlorides used; provided Program-specific training to city staff, which are responsible for winter
maintenance activities, via in-house training and Smart Salting Training; and worked with
Operations to evaluate existing policies and practices to improve the process and reduce
pollution potential.
Study session meeting of May 28, 2024 (Item No. 6)
Title: Annual Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program report Page 8