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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-28-23 PTRCAPPROVAL OF AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES PTRC Minutes 01 -24 -23 PTRC MINUTES 01 -24 -23.PDF UNFINISHED BUSINESS Trail Projects Update MEMO TRAIL PROJECTS UPDATE 3 -A.PDF ATTACHMENT A.PDF ATTACHMENT B.PDF PTRC Council Items MEMO AGENDA ITEM 3 -B.PDF ATTACHMENT A.PDF Work Plan Goals For 2023 MEMO AGENDA ITEM 3 -C.PDF ATTACHMENT A.PDF NEW BUSINESS GreenStep Cities Program MEMO 4 -A.PDF ATTACHMENT A.PDF REPORTS NEXT MEETING Tuesday, March 21, 2023 ADJOURN A quorum of the City Council may be present at this meeting. Chair: Marie Hinton (2024) Committee Members: Jill Anderson (2024) Dan Dietz (2024) Mark Kelliher (2025) Lacy Loosbrock (2025) Timothy Nelson (2024) Kate Olson (2025) Kristine Poelzer (2025) Emelia Rogers (2025) Kerri Seemann (2025) Vacant Vacant Council Liaison: Emily Rousseau Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee February 28, 2023 6:30 p.m. City Hall Address: 1245 W Highway 96 Arden Hills MN 55112 Phone: 651 -792 -7800 Website : www.cityofardenhills.org City Vision Arden Hills is a strong community that values its unique environmental setting, strong residential neighborhoods, vital business community, well -maintained infrastructure, fiscal soundness, and our long -standing tradition as a desirable City in which to live, work, and play. The public may access this meeting remotely by joining via Zoom. To join the Zoom meeting, click this link (or copy and paste it into a new browser): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84204745035 Agenda CALL TO ORDER -- Introduction of new members -- Oaths renewal terms (2) and new members(3) 1. 2. 2.A. Documents: 3. 3.A. Documents: 3.B. Documents: 3.C. Documents: 4. 4.A. Documents: 5. 6. 6.A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES PTRC Minutes 01 -24 -23 PTRC MINUTES 01 -24 -23.PDF UNFINISHED BUSINESS Trail Projects Update MEMO TRAIL PROJECTS UPDATE 3 -A.PDF ATTACHMENT A.PDF ATTACHMENT B.PDF PTRC Council Items MEMO AGENDA ITEM 3 -B.PDF ATTACHMENT A.PDF Work Plan Goals For 2023 MEMO AGENDA ITEM 3 -C.PDF ATTACHMENT A.PDF NEW BUSINESS GreenStep Cities Program MEMO 4 -A.PDF ATTACHMENT A.PDF REPORTS NEXT MEETING Tuesday, March 21, 2023 ADJOURN A quorum of the City Council may be present at this meeting. Chair:Marie Hinton (2024)Committee Members:Jill Anderson (2024)Dan Dietz (2024)Mark Kelliher (2025)Lacy Loosbrock (2025)Timothy Nelson (2024)Kate Olson (2025)Kristine Poelzer (2025)Emelia Rogers (2025)Kerri Seemann (2025)VacantVacantCouncil Liaison:Emily Rousseau Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee February 28, 2023 6:30 p.m. City Hall Address:1245 W Highway 96Arden Hills MN 55112Phone:651 -792 -7800Website:www.cityofardenhills.orgCity VisionArden Hills is a strong community that values its unique environmental setting, strong residential neighborhoods, vital business community, well -maintained infrastructure, fiscal soundness, and our long -standing tradition as a desirable City in which to live, work, and play.The public may access this meeting remotely by joining via Zoom.To join the Zoom meeting, click this link (or copy and paste it into a new browser): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84204745035AgendaCALL TO ORDER-- Introduction of new members-- Oaths renewal terms (2) and new members(3)1. 2. 2.A. Documents: 3. 3.A. Documents: 3.B. Documents: 3.C. Documents: 4. 4.A. Documents: 5. 6. 6.A. APPROVAL OF AGENDAAPPROVAL OF MINUTESPTRC Minutes 01 -24 -23PTRC MINUTES 01 -24 -23.PDFUNFINISHED BUSINESSTrail Projects UpdateMEMO TRAIL PROJECTS UPDATE 3 -A.PDFATTACHMENT A.PDFATTACHMENT B.PDFPTRC Council ItemsMEMO AGENDA ITEM 3 -B.PDFATTACHMENT A.PDFWork Plan Goals For 2023MEMO AGENDA ITEM 3 -C.PDFATTACHMENT A.PDFNEW BUSINESSGreenStep Cities ProgramMEMO 4 -A.PDFATTACHMENT A.PDFREPORTSNEXT MEETINGTuesday, March 21, 2023ADJOURN A quorum of the City Council may be present at this meeting. Chair:Marie Hinton (2024)Committee Members:Jill Anderson (2024)Dan Dietz (2024)Mark Kelliher (2025)Lacy Loosbrock (2025)Timothy Nelson (2024)Kate Olson (2025)Kristine Poelzer (2025)Emelia Rogers (2025)Kerri Seemann (2025)VacantVacantCouncil Liaison:Emily Rousseau Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee February 28, 2023 6:30 p.m. City Hall Address:1245 W Highway 96Arden Hills MN 55112Phone:651 -792 -7800Website:www.cityofardenhills.orgCity VisionArden Hills is a strong community that values its unique environmental setting, strong residential neighborhoods, vital business community, well -maintained infrastructure, fiscal soundness, and our long -standing tradition as a desirable City in which to live, work, and play.The public may access this meeting remotely by joining via Zoom.To join the Zoom meeting, click this link (or copy and paste it into a new browser): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84204745035AgendaCALL TO ORDER-- Introduction of new members-- Oaths renewal terms (2) and new members(3)1.2.2.A.Documents:3.3.A.Documents:3.B.Documents:3.C.Documents:4.4.A.Documents:5.6.6.A. CITY OF ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2023, 6:30 PM ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chair Marie Hinton called the January 24, 2023 meeting of the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee to order at 6:30 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Marie Hinton, Committee Members Jill Anderson, Dan Dietz Kerri Seemann OTHERS PRESENT: Assistant Public Works Director Lucas Miller, Recreation Supervisor Matt Johnson, Council Liaison Emily Rousseau, and Residents Lacey Loosbrock and Kate Olson ABSENT: Committee Members Mark Kelliher, Tim Nelson, and Kristine Poelzer Council Liaison Rousseau and Recreation Supervisor Johnson introduced themselves. Recreation Supervisor Johnson gave an overview of the Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) program for seniors that he plans to implement at Arden Hills. Committee Members and Assistant Public Works Director Miller introduced themselves. 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A motion was made by Committee Member Seeman and seconded by Committee Member Anderson to approve the agenda. Motion passed unanimously. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. November 15, 2022 PTRC Minutes A motion was made by Committee Member Anderson and seconded by Committee Member Dietz to approve the minutes as amended. Motion passed unanimously. 3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Trail Projects Update Assistant Public Works Director Miller reported that Lexington Avenue will not be completed until early summer 2023 and that includes the sidewalk on the west side of Lexington Avenue. Safe Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes January 24, 2023 Page 2 Routes to School from Mounds View High School to E2 down Lake Valentine Road/Old Highway 10 is scheduled for construction this summer 2023. An open house took place this fall. There were $450k awarded in grants for the project. Assistant Public Works Director Miller noted that Staff is working with a consultant to pursue grants for the trail from Lake Valentine Road to Highway 96 along Old Highway 10. A feasibility study was completed for this project, the estimated project cost is $2.6 million. The Lake Johanna Blvd trail study was completed by Ramsey County and they are pursuing funding. There will hopefully be a final design in 2028. Assistant Public Works Director Miller stated that the Arden Manor Park and Floral Park open house is scheduled for February 8. Public surveys were presented to the City Council and updates should be completed this year. Arden Manor Park updates are being funded by a grant and Floral Park improvements will be City funded. Assistant Public Works Director Miller said annual trail maintenance is being scheduled for summer 2023 including crack seal and sealcoat along Round Lake Rd, Lexington north of 96, Cummings and Floral Parks. He mentioned the CIP for Parks is available online. The budget has been adjusted and will be available when it is approved Assistant Public Works Director Miller reviewed the Arden Manor Park and Floral Park survey results. Chair Hinton asked if Triangle Park had been approved to be listed as a real park. Assistant Public Works Director Miller said it had to go through the planning process but it was being worked on. B. Oath Renewals for 3 Year Terms Assistant Public Works Director Miller gave the Oath of Office to Committee Member Seeman. C. Parkshore Exercise Station Trail Loop Naming Discussion Council Liaison Rousseau explained that the City Council discussed the names provided by the PTRC. It was suggested a variation to the name Round Lake Fitness Park and Trail, with some Councilmembers preferring Parkshore Park and Trail due to potential confusion of the park not being accessible from Round Lake. It was suggested that PTRC review the names again. After discussion, South Shore Fitness Park and Trail, and Parkshore Fitness Park and Trail were suggested to bring back to the City Council. Chair Hinton said they had originally wanted to have a contest at the elementary school in order to have more community input and engagement. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes January 24, 2023 Page 3 Council Liaison Rousseau said they could bring the names back to the next work session and provide a photo of the equipment. 4. NEW BUSINESS A. Introduction to New Council and Staff Liaisons This was done at the beginning of the meeting after the roll call. B. Meeting Schedule for February, March and July Chair Hinton said next month they would have the same issue with the City Council meeting on the PTRC’s normal Tuesday, and so wondered if it was OK with everyone to push the meeting to February 18. She won’t be able to attend the March meeting and asked if someone else could run the meeting. There was also a good chance that she will miss the July meeting. C. PTRC Goals for 2023 Chair Hinton stated she would like to have goals set by the spring. She asked the Council Liaison to let them know if there were things other than trails the Council would like to see them work on. Council Liaison Rousseau said trails were an interest for the slate of candidates she campaigned with. Chair Hinton said that Committee Member Kelliher would like to focus on buckthorn removal and start using Robert’s Rule of Order more than they have been. She felt the way they were handling meetings worked but she would be willing to change if others were interested in the meetings being more formal. Committee Member Anderson wondered what would be the purpose of being more formal. She felt it may make members feel more intimidated to speak. Committee Member Dietz said as long as they all behaved professionally they just needed to find means to move the meetings along. Chair Hinton asked if there was anything the committee wanted to work on in the areas of parks, park safety, trails or connection gaps, recreation and community partnerships. Ms. Loosbrock thought if someone was doing buckthorn removal it would be nice to have them announce it to the public beforehand to enlist more help instead of after it’s been done. Committee Member Dietz agreed with buckthorn and invasive species removal, community involvement like the naming of parks, and getting more input from people that use the parks. Committee Member Seemann would like to see habitat restoration, working with volunteer groups, stewardship programs with people helping to maintain the parks, community gardens that involve landscaping with edible plants. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes January 24, 2023 Page 4 Committee Member Anderson thought they could get more community involvement with buckthorn removal and rain garden maintenance. Ms. Olson would like to see a kick-off to the summer or fall Parks and Rec fun day with a food truck, specifically for soccer and baseball. She would also like to see tree sales or discounts to help replace the buckthorn that is removed. Chair Hinton suggested they continue with having the list of a point person for each park and add trails to the list. She would like residents to know what projects are coming up so they have a chance to comment ahead of time. She would like to be sure they are able to have projects for volunteers. Committee Member Anderson said historically they haven’t been particularly involved with recreation and she doesn’t have a clear understanding of how they can help. Assistant Public Works Director Miller said comments like suggesting to increase the number of free events are helpful. Chair Hinton said she volunteered at the Halloween event last year and she encouraged other committee members to be willing to help at those kinds of events. D. Discussion Following Meeting with Council on 12/19/22 Chair Hinton stated a few committee members went to the City Council work session in December. She asked for a status update. Assistant Public Works Director Miller responded that they will be assessing the Hazelnut Park sledding hill proposal this summer, PTRC name badges and vests shouldn’t be a problem – the committee should let staff know what they are looking for and they can take care of it or get Council approval. The Parkshore trail name was previously discussed at this meeting. The Triangle Park is going through Community Development/Planning. E. New PTRC Member Applications Update Chair Hinton said the two new committee applicants should be officially approved by the Council soon. F. Winter Volunteer Recruitment for Floral Park Chair Hinton noted that Committee Member Poelzer wouldn’t be doing recruitment at this time but would wait until February or March. Committee Member Dietz noted that during the winter volunteers would be needed on Saturdays. Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes January 24, 2023 Page 5 G. PTRC Meeting Agenda Drafting Procedures Assistant Public Works Director Miller asked that if a member has an item they would like to have included on an agenda he would like them to complete a document template that he will send out. The Chair would be made aware of the item, along with the staff liaison. Chair Hinton said if there are too many things on the agenda and an item need more discussion than they have time for, it would have tabled until the next meeting in order to be finished by 8:00 pm. 5. REPORTS Assistant Public Works Director Miller noted there were four trees installed at the Perry Park dog park and 50+ trees along Highway 96. There is still some funding available for more trees. 6. NEXT MEETING A. Tuesday, February 28, 2023 The next PTRC meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 28, 2023. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m. Agenda Item 3-A MEMORANDUM DATE: February 28, 2023 TO: Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee FROM: Lucas Miller, Assistant Public Works Director SUBJECT: Trail Projects Update Background A verbal update will be provided at the meeting.  Lexington Ave will not be completed until early summer 2023  Safe Routes to School from MVHS to E2 down Lake Valentine Road/Old Highway 10 is scheduled for construction this summer 2023. SRF is preparing documents for bidding currently. Open house took place this fall. There were $450k in grants for this project.  City is working with a consultant to pursue grants for the trail from Lake Valentine Road to Highway 96 along Old Highway 10. Feasibility study has been completed for this project this last fall. Estimated project cost is $2.6 Mil.  Lake Johanna Blvd trail study was completed by Ramsey County and they are pursuing funding currently. They are shooting for a final design in 2028.  Open House for Floral and Arden Manor parks took place in early February. There was a great showing from the residents. Public surveys have been collected and presented to Council for consideration for both. Results of the surveys were provided for PTRC to look at last month. Design for both projects are ongoing and construction is slotted for 2023. Arden Manor funding are grants combined with city funding. Floral is city funding.  Annual trail maintenance is being scheduled for summer 2023 along Round Lake Rd, Lexington north of 96, Cummings and Floral Parks.  The CIP for Parks is available online. The budget has been adjusted and will be available when it is approved.  Added trail extension tied to Ramsey County’s Roundabout at Snelling/County Rd E. The extension is due to pedestrian use in this location at the end of Snelling Ave N. Users tend to cut through residential maintained ROW, so the City is adding this feature to correct that movement.  Ramsey County All-Abilities 2050 Transportation Plan – Online Survey. Please have all PTRC members participate in this survey and get your voice heard. Attachments Attachment A – Trail Extension for Snelling Ave N Attachment B – Ramsey County MultiModel Plan Survey Hello Ramsey County Friends, I wanted to provide a brief update on the Ramsey County All Abilities 2050 Transportation Plan. We kicked off our external public engagement yesterday with the press release shown below. In addition to the online survey that will run through March 3rd, new opportunities to engage include an on-line introductory video and two virtual community conversations on March 9th and March 28th. I am also presenting to the Ramsey County Active Living Bike and Walk Committee this evening and looking forward to our regular “JERC” check-in meeting March 8th at 2 pm at the Ramsey County Public Works offices. Please visit the project website to learn more or contact me: https://www.ramseycounty.us/residents/roads-transportation/multi-modal-planning/all- abilities-2050-transportation-plan Scott M. Mareck, AICP (He, Him, His) Senior Transportation Planner, Multimodal Planning Public Works | Economic Growth and Community Investment 651-266-7140 1425 Paul Kirkwold Dr., Arden Hills, MN 55112 Ramsey County begins community engagement for All-Abilities 2050 Transportation Plan. Ramsey County is leading an effort to develop a long-range plan that will guide future county transportation investment decisions that lead to projects that are accessible to people of all ages and abilities.  Interested individuals, communities and organizations are invited to participate in the planning process for the All-Abilities 2050 Transportation Plan. The plan is being led by Ramsey County Public Works, and will incorporate community feedback to shape roadway, pedestrian, bike and public transportation investments for the next 27 years, through the year 2050.  The All-Abilities plan will influence the investment priorities for future Ramsey County transportation projects in collaboration with MnDOT, Metro Transit, Ramsey County municipalities and Ramsey County transportation users. Engagement opportunities will take place online, virtually and in person, and will be available in multiple languages.  The planning process will take place over the course of the next year, and engagement will be broken into three phases. Phase one will start in February with a series of community conversations.  For more information about the plan and to learn about how to get involved, visit the project website ramseycounty.us/2050Transportation.  ###  Media contact: Chris Burns, Communications Manager, 651-792-6030 Agenda Item 3-B MEMORANDUM DATE: February 28, 2023 TO: Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee FROM: Marie Hinton, PTRC Chair SUBJECT: Council Items Background Review of items that the PTRC voted to refer for Council consideration in 2022. This discussion is intended to ensure that the PTRC, City staff and Council Liaison are all aware of previous requests, current status of those requests and next steps (if applicable). Discussed at April 2022 meeting: $10,000.00 donation to the City from the Spring Lake Parks Lions. The City Council would like recommendations and ideas from the PTRC as to how to spend the money. A motion was made by Committee Member Kelliher and seconded by Committee Member Poelzer to bring the list of pickleball, no fee engagement activities, a swinging bench, Chatham trail improvements, and Lindey’s Park improvements such as volleyball, exercise stations and a back stop forward to the City Council. Motion passed unanimously. A motion was made by Committee Member Poelzer and seconded by Committee Member Nelson to further investigate adding Triangle Park to the City’s park system listing. Motion passed unanimously. Discussed at July 2022 meeting: A motion was made by Committee Member Beggin and seconded by Committee Member Dietz to approve the proposed habitat restoration projects put forth by Committee Member Seemann and to bring it forward to the City Council. A motion was made by Chair Hinton and seconded by Committee Member Deitz to have staff move forward with creating a QR code to use in the parks and other places to facilitate a parks survey. Motion passed 6-1. A motion was made by Committee Member Dietz and seconded by Committee Member Poelzer to request reflective vests with the city logo and “volunteer” on them to be distributed to volunteers. Motion passed unanimously. A motion was made by Committee Member Anderson and seconded by Committee Member Dietz to begin work on a pollinator policy. Motion passed unanimously. A motion was made by Committee Member Anderson and seconded by Committee Member Seeman to form a subcommittee to begin work on a pollinator policy. Motion passed unanimously. Discussed at November 2022 meeting: A motion to request a cost feasibility study to install automatic timer open/locks at Perry and Cummings Parks restroom facilities, and add to the 2024 budget if not capable to install sooner was made by Committee Member Poelzer. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said this would lead to a constant maintenance need. They would need to determine to cost of maintenance and staff time. Committee Member Beggin requested to amend the motion to include cost of staff time, supplies and installation of the locks. The motion as amended was seconded by Committee Member Seemann. Motion passed 7-1 with Committee Member Kelliher opposed. Items Discussed by the City Council at December 2022 work session: Background/Discussion Hazelnut Park Proposals 1.1) Sledding hill placed on the map at Hazelnut Park. 2.2) Remove invasive species and replace vegetation. The city removes invasive species, but they do not replace vegetation. If the council did decide to direct Public Works to add plants, they would need to go through a process of getting bids from several suppliers. See attachments prepared by PTRC member Kerri Seemann. Name badges for PTRC members PTRC members have suggested that name badges would be helpful when they are helping to coordinate volunteers. Volunteer appreciation There are a few volunteers who generously donate countless hours to improve our parks (ex. weeding). We would like these individuals to be recognized by the city. Letter from the City Council Proclaim a date for each of them to be [name] day and share that on social media Feature their stories in an upcoming newsletter Reflective vests for volunteers Volunteers should have reflective vests for two reasons: 1) safety 2) so that other people using the parks understand that they are allowed to be working in the park. Regular volunteers (the ones identified for recognition) should be given a higher quality vest that they can keep that includes "Arden Hills Volunteer" on them. Groups should be given inexpensive vests that they can keep as a small token of appreciation for their work (they can use them for safety when walking in low light conditions). Currently, Public Works only provides vests to volunteers if the work being done is near potential traffic or other scenarios where high visibility is needed. Parkshore Trail Name Contest The PTRC originally wanted to involve the community in the naming process and create engagement though a contest that allowed residents or students to submit possible names. The City Council determined that there was not enough staff time to facilitate a contest and asked for name suggestions. These are the names that were submitted by PTRC members: 1. Exercise park and trail 2. Workout park and trail 3. Keep-fit park and trail 4. Fitness Park and Trail 5. Round Lake Fitness Park and Trail 6. For Your Health Park and Trail 7. Name the trail the length of a certain number of laps: 1 mile trail, 2k trail, etc. 8. Round Lake Park and South Shore Trail 9. Boot Camp Park and trail (Fitness Park and Trail and Round Lake Fitness Park and Trail had the most votes from PTRC members.) Officially name Triangle Park Give what’s known as “Triangle Park” official park status. Add it to the list of parks and note that it has a chess/checkerboard as an amenity. Updates from the January 2023 meeting: Assistant Public Works Director Miller provided an update on the December items during the January 2023 meeting: They will be assessing the Hazelnut Park sledding hill proposal this summer, PTRC name badges and vests shouldn’t be a problem – the committee should let staff know what they are looking for and they can take care of it or get Council approval. The Parkshore trail name was previously discussed at this meeting. The Triangle Park is going through Community Development/Planning. South Shore Fitness Park and Trail, and Parkshore Fitness Park and Trail were suggested by PTRC to bring back to the City Council. Council Liaison Rousseau said they could bring the names back to the next work session and provide a photo of the equipment. Agenda Item 3-C MEMORANDUM DATE: February 28, 2023 TO: Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee FROM: Marie Hinton, PTRC Chair SUBJECT: 2023-24 PTRC Goals Background Continue discussion about what PTRC would like 2023-24 goals to be.  Add additional goals   Provide additional details to support previously submitted goals.   Attachments Attachment A – Ideas submitted at January 2023 meeting Attachment A Goals submitted at January 2023 PTRC meeting: Trails Habitat restoration/plants Invasive species removal, especially buckthorn. Let public know when volunteers can assist with removal. Provide education about invasive species removal for homeowners. Work with volunteer groups, stewardship programs with people helping to maintain the parks, community gardens that involve landscaping with edible plants. Tree sales or discounts to help replace the buckthorn that is removed. Community Increase community involvement, when possible, examples: naming parks, buckthorn removal, rain garden maintenance and getting input from people who use the parks. Rec & Events Kick-off to the summer or fall Parks and Rec fun day with a food truck, specifically for soccer and baseball. City staff to provide guidance on how the PTRC can be helpful in recreation area. Volunteer Opportunities Continue to have a point person for volunteers. Let residents know about volunteer opportunities. PTRC and City Staff should consider possible volunteer projects so that we always have projects available for volunteers. Agenda Item 4-A MEMORANDUM DATE: February 28, 2023 TO: Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee FROM: Kerri Seemann SUBJECT: GreenStep Cities Program Background A verbal update will be provided at the meeting about the GreenStep Cities program. We can discuss if there are any actions from the list that we would like to add to our work plan for the coming year. Attachment Attachment A - GreenStepCities The MN GreenStep Cities 29 Best Practices Of the 29 best practices,I highlighted (in yellow)the three that I believe could best be addressed by the PTRC.Details about those are listed afterwards.The actions highlighted in green are ones that the city has already reported to the GreenStepCities program; those in orange are ones that I believe we could possibly consider moving forward. Buildings and Lighting 1.Efficient Existing Public Buildings Benchmark energy and water usage,identify savings opportunities in consultation with state programs,utilities and others to implement cost-effective energy and sustainability improvements. 2.Efficient Existing Private Buildings Provide incentives for energy,water and sustainability improvements in existing residential,not-for-profit and commercial buildings/building sites. 3.New Green Buildings Construct new buildings to meet or qualify under a green building framework. 4.Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals Improve the efficiency and quality of street lighting, traffic signals and outdoor public lighting. 5.Building Redevelopment Create economic and regulatory incentives for redevelopment and repurposing of existing buildings. Land Use 6.Comprehensive, Climate and Energy Plans Build public support and legal validity to long-term infrastructural and regulatory strategy. 7.Resilient City Growth Increase financial and environmental sustainability by enabling and encouraging walkable housing and retail land use. 8.Mixed Uses Develop efficient land patterns that generate community health and wealth. 9.Efficient Highway- and Auto-Oriented Development Adopt commercial development and design standards for auto-oriented development corridors and clusters. 10.Design for Natural Resource Conservation Adopt development ordinances or processes that protect natural systems and valued community assets. Transportation 11.Living & Complete Streets Create a network of green complete streets that improves city quality of life,public health,and adds value to surrounding properties. 12.Mobility Options Increase active transportation and alternatives to single-occupancy car travel. 13.Efficient City Fleets Implement a city fleet investment, operations and maintenance plan. 14.Demand-Side Travel Planning Implement Travel Demand Management and Transit-Oriented Design in service of a more walkable city. Environmental Management 15.Sustainable Purchasing Adopt environmentally preferable purchasing policies and practices to improve health and environmental outcomes. 16.Community Forests and Soils Add city tree and plant cover that conserves topsoils and increases community health, wealth, quality of life. 17.Stormwater Management Minimize the volume of and pollutants in rainwater runoff by maximizing green infrastructure. 18.Parks and Trails Increase active lifestyles and property values by enhancing the city's green infrastructure. 19.Surface Water Improve local water bodies to sustain their long-term ecological function and community benefits. 20.Efficient Water and Wastewater Systems Assess and improve city drinking water and wastewater systems and related facilities. 21.Septic Systems Implement an environmentally sound management program for decentralized wastewater treatment systems. 22.Sustainable Consumption and Waste Increase waste prevention,reuse and recycling,moving to a lower-consumption,more cyclical,biological approach to materials management. 23.Local Air Quality Prevent generation of local air contaminants so as to improve community health. Resilient Economic and Community Development 24.Benchmarks and Community Engagement Adopt outcome measures for GreenStep and other city sustainability efforts,and engage community members in ongoing education, dialogue, and campaigns. 25.Green Business Development Expand a greener, more resilient business sector. 26.Renewable Energy Remove barriers to and encourage installation of renewable energy generation capacity. 27.Local Food Strengthen local food production and access. 28.Business Synergies and EcoDistricts Network/cluster businesses and design neighborhoods and developments to achieve better energy,social,economic and environmental outcomes in service of a more circular and equitable economy. 29.Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience Plan and prepare for extreme weather,adapt to changing climatic conditions,and foster stronger community connectedness and social and economic vitality. Design for Natural Resource Conservation {BP No. 10} Adopt development ordinances or processes that protect natural systems and valued community assets. Best Practice Actions 1.Conduct a Natural Resource Inventory or Assessment (NRI or NRA);incorporate protection of priority natural systems or resources such as groundwater through the subdivision or development process. 2.For cities outside or on the fringe of metropolitan areas,conduct a build-out analysis,fiscal impact study,or adopt an urban growth boundary and a consistent capital improvement plan that provides long-term protection of natural resources and natural systems, and agricultural practices outside the boundary. 3.For cities within metropolitan areas,incorporate woodland best management practices addressing protection of wooded areas into zoning or development review. 4.Adopt a conservation design policy;use a conservation design tool for pre-design meetings with developers and for negotiating development agreements in cities with undeveloped natural resource areas. 5.Preserve environmentally sensitive,community-valued land by placing a conservation easement on city lands,and by encouraging/funding private landowners to place land in conservation easements. 6.Conserve natural,cultural,historic resources by adopting or amending city codes and ordinances to support sustainable sites, including roadsides, and environmentally protective land use development. 7.Support and protect wildlife through habitat rehabilitation,preservation and recognition programs. 1 star:Report city actions that strengthen the ecology for birds,pollinators,other wildlife and for native plants;for example,replacing a dam with a spillway/rapids to restore and enhance fish passage and habitat. 2 star:Register and begin work on completing actions in the Bird City MN program,Bee City USA, or/and the Community Wildlife Habitat program. 3 star:Be recognized as a Bird City Minnesota, Bee City USA, or/and a certified Wildlife Habitat. Parks and Trails {BP No. 18} Increase active lifestyles and property values by enhancing the city's green infrastructure. Best Practice Actions 1.Make improvements within your city's system of parks, offroad trails and open spaces. 2.Plan and budget for a network of parks,green spaces,water features and trails for areas where new development is planned. 3.Achieve minimum levels of city green space and maximize the percent within a ten-minute walk of community members. 4.Adopt low-impact design standards in parks and trails that infiltrate or retain all 2 inch,24-hour stormwater events on site. 5. Create park/city land management standards/practices that maximize at least one of the following: a.Low maintenance turf management;native landscaping;organic or integrated pest management; pollinator/monarch-safe policies. 1 star:Introduce low/no mow areas into parkland;proactively manage invasive species;collect recyclables;install an environmental learning/demonstration garden/site;use compost as a soil amendment. List food garden plots in city parks under BPA 27.3;report electric utility vehicles under BPA 13.2;report Lawn to Legumes activity under BPA 2.6 2 star:Introduce low/no mow areas into parkland AND utilize organic or integrated pest management; certify through the MPCA at least one city staff person at Level 1 in turf grass BMPs;collect compostables; plant a pollinator garden and/or adopt a pollinator habitat policy. 3 star:Provide sources of non-potable water,or surface/rain water,for parkland irrigation;require all city-licensed turf grass services to have staff certified at Level 1 in MPCA turf grass BMPs;transition to all-electric equipment;introduce sheep/goats to keep grass mowed/invasives at bay;raise honey on city land/buildings; other innovative methods. b. Recycling/compostables collection; use of compost as a soil amendment. c. Sources of nonpotable water, or surface/rain water, for irrigation. 6. Certify at least one golf course in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program. 7.Document that the operation and maintenance,or construction /remodeling,of at least one park building used an asset management tool, the SB 2030 energy standard, or a green building framework. 8.Develop a program to involve community members in hands-on land restoration,invasive species management and stewardship projects. 1 star:Create an annual event (can be in cooperation with other organizations)or ongoing 'adopt a park'effort for volunteer trash cleanup of open space,buckthorn removal,etc.for parks or selected public open space areas;educate community members about invasive species.Report gardens plots in city parks under BP 27.3 2 star:In addition to cleanup and removal of exotics (1 Star),engage community members in annual restoration of natural areas (replanting shoreland buffers, restoring prairie, etc.). 3 star:Create and fund an annual city-wide event for cleanup and restoration,engaging residents in most neighborhoods and creating a public promotion around the event;coordinate the use of unused public land for seasonal community use (pop-up parks, gardens, art, etc.). Local Food {BP No. 27} Strengthen local food production and access. Best Practice Actions 1.Protect working landscapes -agriculture and forestry -by adopting an ordinance or incentivizing one or more of the following: a. An agriculture and forest protection district. b. A local food production district. c. Incubator farms, emerging farmers, and land access. 2.Facilitate creation of home/community gardens,chicken &bee keeping,and incorporation of food growing areas/ access in multifamily and residential developments. 3. Create, assist with and promote local food production/distribution within the city: a. A farmer's market or co-op buying club. b.An urban agriculture business or a community-supported agriculture (CSA)arrangement between farmers and community members/employees. c.A community or school garden, orchard or forest. 1 star:Summarize what exists in the city: a farmer's market, urban ag businesses, school garden, etc. 2 star:Report on supportive actions taken by the city such as use of city land for a farmer's market, garden plots in city parks,rooftop gardens,hiring a garden/market coordinator,supporting season extension techniques such as hoop houses or greenhouses;a winter farmer's market;donations from markets/gardens to food shelves. 3 star:Report a permanent conservation easement on a school forest,orchard,garden;report on percent of housing units within a 1 mile of a healthy food source (farmer's market,community garden, CSA drop point,and stores with an NAICS code of 445110 or 445230);convert top level of a parking ramp for a local food growing business; support a mobile food market to bring healthy food to people. 4.Measurably increase institutional buying and sales of foods and fibers that are local,Minnesota-grown,organic, healthy, humanely raised, and grown by fairly compensated growers. 5. Assess, plan for, and enhance the community’s local food system.