EQC Meeting Date: July 21, 2021
To: Members of the Environmental Quality Commission
From: Beth Kallestad, Program Coordinator
Title
Staff Update.
Body
Action Requested:
The EQC receives an update regarding staff activities.
Summary Report:
Field Trip
EQC members who are interested can join a tour of the Faribault Energy Park on August 18 from 4:30 - 6 PM. The purpose of the tour is to learn more about energy generation technology.
Events
• Tabling for Home Energy Squad and LED light bulb giveaway is planned at Riverwalk Market on August 21 between 9 AM - 1 PM. EQC members are encouraged to help if able. Email or call Beth to sign up to help.
• There will be an Electric Vehicle event on October 2 from 9 AM - Noon at the Northfield Middle School. Collaboration between the City and Rotary Club.
Tree planting
• Two members of the Urban Forest work group met with staff to begin conversation on this project (MPCA grant). It is likely a fall St. Olaf class will be able to help with an update to existing tree inventory at least in part of the community.
• The MN DNR released another Emerald Ash Borer grant due August 9. Staff are reviewing and plan to apply.
Sustainable Building Policy
City staff are working with Center for Energy & Environment (CEE) on developing framework for policy. Stakeholder engagement is planned for September. EQC will be involved in this process.
City Strategic Plan
The Strategic Plan was adopted by the City Council on June 15 for adoption. Action plan items are still being finalized by staff and will be shared with EQC at upcoming meetings.
Carbon-free electricity strategy - Rather than moving forward right away with on-site solar, staff are developing a carbon-free electricity strategy to share with Council at their August 17 meeting to get some high-level directional input.
Carbon Reduction Fund
City Council is being asked to adopt the Carbon Reduction Fund Policy at the July 20 meeting. Staff will then work on operationalizing and promoting program to begin in the 2022 budget year that starts in January. EQC input will be included. Update will be given at August EQC meeting.
Energy Grid Interconnection Issues
Staff is having conversations with some other cities and advisors as well as learning where in the Public Utilities Commission docket process it makes sense for Northfield to participate. More information will be shared with the EQC as it becomes available.
Southeast Cities Community Engagement Cohort
Staff are working with University of Minnesota Extension to plan the workshop meetings for City partners to take place in the fall.
AmeriCorps/VISTA
An offer of employment has been made for this position that will start in early August. Ecolibrium3 in Duluth is the program leader and the City of Northfield is a host site. The VISTA member will attend EQC meetings to learn more about city governance process.
Alternative Options:
NA
Financial Impacts:
NA
Tentative Timelines:
NA