City Council Meeting Date: October 13, 2020
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: Beth Kallestad, Program Coordinator
Title
Carbon Reduction Fund Discussion.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council discusses proposed Carbon Reduction Fund.
Summary Report:
Climate Change Impacts is one of the six priorities of the City of Northfield’s 2018-2020 Strategic Plan. The Northfield City Council adopted the Climate Action Plan (CAP) on November 5, 2019 with a goal of being 100% carbon free by 2040. For the purposes of the CAP carbon free refers to a carbon neutral scenario where carbon dioxide emissions from human activity are eliminated and/or offset by removing emissions from the atmosphere through sequestration in trees and soil, as well as using energy sources that are considered carbon neutral.
In order to fund some of the strategies in the CAP, especially those focused on carbon sequestration, staff are proposing the creation of a Carbon Reduction Fund through the City Finance Department. Establishment of this Fund would allow for an alternative source of revenue for projects and not put an additional burden on the general operating fund. Residents, businesses, and any other interested parties, including the City, could make contributions into this fund. The funds would be used to finance projects such as tree planting, turf to native plants, and other projects as they arise to help Northfield achieve our 100% carbon free by 2040 goal.
As an example, in 2019 the City applied for a grant, which was not awarded, to help fund the cost of replacing trees on public land/boulevard areas that are dead or diseased. The estimated cost is approximately $500 per tree when installed using a commercial contractor. On average there are 100 trees that need replacement per year. At this time the City budget is not able to support replacing all of them.
The Environmental Quality Commission reviewed this resolution at their September 16, 2020 meeting and passed a motion of support recommending Council approve the resolution.
This item will be scheduled for approval on the October 20th Council meeting. Staff would welcome any questions or concerns related to this agenda item in preparation of that meeting.
Alternative Options:
Fund is not established.
Financial Impacts:
At this time we do not have an estimate for what level of donations to expect into the fund.
Tentative Timelines:
October 20 - Council adopts resolution