2018-02-27_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Environmental Specialist Ryan Johnson introduce Kimberly White, an intern from the University of Minnesota, who has been working on the Green Steps program. Ms. White introduced herself and provided an overview on the Green Steps program. She reported Roseville is on the brink of achieving Step 3 in the program and the best practices remaining before achievement are: 1) Complete Streets Policy; 2) Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy; 3) Green Team; and, 4) Community Resilience. Member Wozniak inquired what the benefit was in becoming a Step 3, 4 or 5 city. Ms. White responded every time a City achieves a new step in the program, there is recognition from the League of Minnesota Cities. There is a network of cities who have goals for achieving sustainability and increasing their environmental awareness. There is also support from organizations, such as the Great Plains Institute, who is the founder of the program and a major funding partner of grants awarded to Green Step cities. Member Wozniak inquired if becoming a Step 5 City influences development or brings in people who are drawn to having this in the community. Ms. White responded the program was established in 2010 and there are only six Step 5 cities in the State. It is an admirable achievement, but it will still be some time before these types of data points are observed. Mr. Culver noted this program will allow them to track and get recognition of what they are doing for sustainability. They should also see some energy savings through making these types of changes. Ms. White reported the Complete Streets policy focuses on making sure streets: 1) are safe and accessible; 2) allow users to get to where they need to go; 3) increase economic development and quality of life; 4) promote public health; and 5) consider the impact on the environment. Chair Cihacek inquired to what degree this policy is already congruent to the City's comprehensive Transportation Plan. Ms. White responded there is a great amount of overlap between the implementation strategies outlined in the policy and what is already being done in the City. About 75 percent of the policy came from the City's draft transportation section of the Comprehensive Plan. Chair Cihacek noted they should focus on things that are a new practice for them, so they do not get short on time. Page 6 of 16