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.
Slow Mow Summer:
The City is rebranding Less Mow May to Slow Mow Summer. Recent guidance from the University of Minnesota Bee Lab 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 from the University of Minnesota Bee Lab. Residents are encouraged to focus...
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