2020-01-28_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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4. Communication Items Public Works Director Marc Culver provided a brief review and update on projects and maintenance activities listed in the staff report dated January 28, 2020. Chair Cihacek updated the Commission on the Forestry Task Force Supergroup meeting. 5. St. Louis Park Climate Action Plan Ms. Emily Ziring, Sustainability Manager at the City of St. Louis Park made a presentation on St. Louis Park's adoption of a Climate Action Plan and their sustainability goals. Member Misra asked how many cities in Hennepin County are covered by the building Benchmarking Ordinance. Ms. Ziring indicated right now it is only Minneapolis, Edina and St. Louis Park. She noted it is a good start and other cities in the County are interested as well. Member Wozniak asked if the cost of construction or renovation of a building would increase due to the requirement for EV charging. Ms. Ziring explained it is such a drop in the bucket when talking about million - dollar buildings. It is not something the developers have balked at yet. The developer can sell it as an amenity and a great selling point. Member Wozniak asked in regard to the two ordinances, were those driven by the fact that there was a climate action plan or were those ordinances spontaneous. Ms. Ziring explained both ideas are in the climate action plan, so she suspected those ordinances were launched out of that or born from that. She noted it is a really good step on getting large property owners to take action on energy efficiency. Member Wozniak asked how important it was having the students initiate their action to get this off the ground. Ms. Ziring explained it was crucial and the Youth Commissioners on the Environment Sustainability Commission are crucial to the success of that group and the outreach that the Youth Commissioners do and the ties the city has with the high school and City Hall are really important and bringing that youth voice has been very important. Member Misra asked what sort of reception has been received from developers, the business community and multi -family housing since implementing these standards. Ms. Ziring indicated on the Bench Marking Ordinance there were two open houses to be able to talk about the proposed Ordinance before going to Council. There Page 2 of 5