EQC Meeting Date: March 18, 2026
To: Environmental Quality Commission
From: Sara Pabich, Sustainability Coordinator
Title
Staff Update
Body
Action Requested:
The EQC receives an update regarding staff activities.
Summary Report:
This update includes items not included as agenda items for this meeting.
Solar on Northfield Community Resource Center:
Solar panels have been installed on the rooftop of the Northfield Community Resource Center. The project was supported by a $72,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Commerce Solar on Public Buildings Program, covering about 60% of the installation costs. The system is now complete and operational!
Staff are coordinating with the Communications team to create a webpage on the City’s website to highlight the solar project and help inform and educate community members about the benefits of installing solar at City facilities, including the potential for reduced utility costs.
For more information on Minnesota Department of Commerce, click here <https://mn.gov/commerce/energy/consumer/energy-programs/solar-public-buildings.jsp>.
Slow Mow Summer:
The City is rebranding Less Mow May to Slow Mow Summer <https://beelab.umn.edu/slow-mow-summer>. Recent guidance from the University of Minnesota Bee Lab <https://beelab.umn.edu/> shows that supporting pollinators throughout the growing season is more effective than focusing on May alone. Residents are encouraged to adopt pro-pollinator gardening practices year-round, and the City will expand summer education to share tips and resources to help maximize pollinator benefits.
After reviewing updated scientific information, the City has decided not to adopt a resolution allowing residents to forgo mowing in May. In Minnesota, May is typically a rainy month when turf grass grows rapidly, and letting it grow excessively can stress the lawn if cut too short later. For pollinators, continuous habitat and blooming plants throughout the season are more important than a single-month mowing reduction. For more information, watch this presentation <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgFMlNFJDi0> from the University of Minnesota Bee Lab. Residents are encouraged to focus on planting pollinator-friendly species and maintaining gardens <https://extension.umn.edu/landscape-design/planting-and-maintaining-bee-lawn> that provide habitat and forage throughout the summer.
Ice Arena:
Dave Bennett, Public Works Director/City Engineer presented an update on the Ice Arena to the City Council on March 3. Should you like a “deeper dive” into this update please see the meeting recording is available here <https://northfield.granicus.com/player/clip/2231?view_id=2&redirect=true>; the Ice Arena presentation begins at approximately the 30-minute mark.
Here are some notable highlights from the update:
Conclusion of Process Review
• Staff followed the appropriate and standard industry process; and
• All required information was submitted in a timely manner; and
• Final solar approval occurs only upon Xcel’s interconnection agreement.
Lessons Learned
• Future project information updates should more clearly communicate that solar is not final until Xcel formally approves interconnection; and
• Grid capacity conditions can change between initial review and formal application; and
• Interconnection approvals can be subject to system upgrade charges, which may affect cost and timing.
Where we Stand with Ice Arena (we are poised well for future and investment was appropriate)
• The ice arena expected life is 75-100 years; and
• Facility is fully “solar ready”
• No redesign is required for future installation
• Full reimbursement for solar panels the City returned
• A short term delay (up to 5-years estimated) does not conflict with our 2040 climate goals. Designing the facility to be solar ready remains a wise long-term investment
o Xcel is continuing to analyze potential solutions. We expect additional details in the near future
Tree Related Policy and Information:
Shelly Evanson presented to City Council around the current tree related policies, how grants are supporting the removal of diseased trees and about the upcoming tree sale. The meeting recording is available on the City website <https://northfield.granicus.com/player/clip/2238?view_id=2&redirect=true>.
EQC Tabling Events:
Staff emailed the Commission a volunteer sign-up form for tabling opportunities at the Earth Day event and the Riverwalk Market. Staff request that EQC members sign up by March 23, 2026.
Alternative Options:
NA
Financial Impacts:
NA
Tentative Timelines:
NA