HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-12-18 ENR Packet
AGENDA
CITY OF MAPLEWOOD
ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCESCOMMISSION
Monday, December 18, 2017
7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers -Maplewood City Hall
1830 County Road B East
1.Call to Order
2.Roll Call
3.Approval of Agenda
4.ApprovalofMinutes:
a.November 20, 2017
5.Unfinished Business
a.Urban Agriculture –Zoning Review
6.New Business
a.2017 Sustainability Annual Report
7.Visitor Presentations
8.Commissioner Presentations
9.Staff Presentations
a.Reschedule January and February Environmental Commission Meetings (New
Dates –Thursday,January 25 and Tuesday, February 27)
b.2018 Chair and Vice Chair Positions
c.Nature Center Programs
10.Adjourn
Agenda Item 4
MINUTES
CITY OF MAPLEWOOD
ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
7:00 p.m., Monday,November 20, 2017
Council Chambers, City Hall
1830 County Road B East
1. CALL TO ORDER
A meeting of the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission was calledto order at 7:00
p.m.by Chair Palzer.
2. ROLL CALL
Keith Buttleman, Commissioner Present
Mollie Miller, Commissioner Absent
Candace Okeson, Commissioner Absent
Ann Palzer, Chair Present
Ted Redmond, Commissioner Present
Ryan Ries, Vice Chair Present
Tom Sinn, Commissioner Present
Staff Present
Shann Finwall, Environmental Planner
Ginny Gaynor, Natural Resource Coordinator
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
CommissionerRiesmoved to approve the agenda as submitted.
Seconded by CommissionerSinn. Ayes – All
The motion passed.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
CommissionerRies moved to approve theOctober 16, 2017, Environmental and Natural
Resources Commission meeting minutes assubmitted.
Seconded by CommissionerRedmond. Ayes – All
The motion passed.
5. NEW BUSINESS
a.Joy Park Spent Lime Treatment Structure
i.Natural ResourcesCoordinator, Ginny Gaynor, introduced the item, introduced the
speaker for the item, and answered questions of the Commission.
ii.Senior Water Resources Engineer, Greg Williams, Barr Engineering, 4300 Market
Pointe Drive, Minneapolis, gave the presentation on the Joy Park Spent Lime
Treatment Structure and answered questions of the Commission.
November 20, 2017
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Environmental and Natural Resources Commission MeetingMinutes
CommissionerButtlemanmoved toapproveconstruction for the Joy Park SpentLime
Treatment Structure requiring a waiver and contingent upon on a maintenance agreement
being put into place.
Seconded by CommissionerRedmond.Ayes –All
The motion passed.
b.Emerald Ash Borer Policy Revision
i.Natural ResourcesCoordinator, GinnyGaynorgave the presentation on the
Emerald Ash Borer Policy revision and answered questions of the Commission.
The Commission agreed they wouldrecommend Option 1as shown in the staff report
which includes no chemical treatment of public treesand to approve the revisions to the
Management Plan.
Commissioner Sinnmoved to approve the Emerald Ash Borer Policy revisions as
submitted and recommended Option 1 as outlined in the staff report which includes no
use of insecticide.
Seconded by Commissioner Buttleman.Ayes –All
The motion passed.
c.Environmental and Natural Resources Commission 2017 Annual Report
i.Environmental Planner, Shann Finwall gave the review of the 2017 ENR Annual
Report and addressed the commission.
Staff will make the corrections to the membership dates and changes that were discussed
at the ENR meeting for the 2017 ENR Annual Report.
Commissioner Redmondmoved toapprove the Environmental and Natural Resources
Commission 2017 Annual Report as amended.
Seconded by CommissionerButtleman.Ayes –All
The motion passed.
6.UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
7.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
None present.
8.COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS
Commissioner Redmondmentionedhe will be giving a presentation on aTree Canopy Study for
Greenhouse Gas Assessment atan upcoming ENR Commission meeting.
November 20, 2017
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Environmental and Natural Resources Commission MeetingMinutes
9.STAFF PRESENTATIONS
a.Nature Center Programs
i.The ENR Commission presented the upcoming Nature Center Programs. For more
information contact the Maplewood Nature Center at (651) 249-2170.
10.ADJOURNMENT
Chair Palzer adjourned the meeting at8:27 p.m.
November 20, 2017
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Environmental and Natural Resources Commission MeetingMinutes
Agenda Item 5.a.
MEMORANDUM
TO: Environmental and Natural Resources Commission
FROM:Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner
DATE: December 12,2017, for the December 18 ENR Commission Meeting
SUBJECT:Urban Agriculture – Zoning Review
Introduction
Urban agriculture is the practice of growing, processing, and distributing fresh food by people
living in urban areas. The Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) Commission has been
reviewing the City’s ordinances and making recommendations that will remove barriers and
promote urban agriculture, while ensuring no negative impacts to surrounding properties.The
Commission’s review covers four areas:
Animal agriculture (keeping of poultry, etc.)
Crop agriculture (community gardens, etc.)
Direct to consumersales (farm stands, etc.)
City Programming (composting classes, etc.)
During the December 18, 2017ENRCommission meeting, the Commission will finalize the
review of the Crop Agriculture and Direct to Consumer Salesordinance amendments. The
urban agriculture ordinance amendments will then go to the Planning Commission for review
and recommendation to the City Council. Once the amendments are adopted the Commission
can begin a review of policies and programming for urban agriculture uses.
Background
2015, 2016, 2017: The ENR Commission identified urban agriculture as a goal in their annual
reports.
January 27, 2016: The ENR Commission formed an urban agriculture subcommittee made up
of three Commissioners. The subcommittee was charged with researching the City code to
determine where urban agriculture uses are permitted,prohibited, or silent, and reporting that
information to the full ENR Commission.
June 16, 2016: The ENR Commission’s urban agriculture subcommittee submitted the attached
urban agriculture report to the full ENR Commission (Attachment 1). Based on this report, the
ENR Commission has been reviewing and making recommendations to City code that will
remove barriers to urban agriculture uses, while ensuring no negative impacts to surrounding
properties.
December 19, 2016: The ENR Commission recommended approval of Animal Agriculture
amendments.
January25, 2017: The ENR Commission began their review of Crop Agriculture ordinance
amendments.
February 21, 2017: The Planning Commission reviewed the Animal Agriculture ordinance
amendments and offered comment and feedback on the proposed changes.
April 17, 2017: The ENR Commission reviewed the Animal Agriculture ordinance amendment
comments received from the Planning Commission.
July 17, 2017: The ENR Commission began discussions on Direct to Consumer Sales.
Discussion
Crop Agriculture
The following changes to the City’s ordinances are proposed by the ENR Commission to
remove barriers and promote crop agriculture (additions are underlined and deletions are
stricken):
A.Community and Market Gardens
Definition
Sec. 44-6. –Definitions.
ACommunity and Market Garden are cultivated spacestypically gardened and
managed by one or more persons –either on undeveloped lots or on leased landsfor
private consumption or retail sale.
Park and Community Preserves:
The Commission recommends that Community and Market Gardens of any size be a
permitted use in all Park Land Use Districts. The City’s zoning code and
Comprehensive Plan allow for the use as follows:
Zoning Code:
DIVISION 1. -OPEN SPACE AND PARKS DISTRICT (OSP)
Sec. 44-46. -Purpose and intent.
The OSP district is designed to be a public park and open space district. Public
parks and open space may be owned or operated by Maplewood, Ramsey
County or any other public body. All improvements within these districts must be
consistent with the Maplewood Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
Sec. 44-47. -Permitted uses.
The only uses permitted in the open space and parks district, are the following:
Public open space and park lands.
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Sec. 44-48. -Development guidelines.
Improvementsand structures withinopen space lands and public parkswith
recreational facilities and structures shall be consistent with the Maplewood
Comprehensive Land Use Planand developed in conformance with the site
development requirements stipulated in the Maplewood Zoning Ordinance.
Draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan:
The goals and policies outlined in the draft Parks, Trails, and Open Space
Chapter of the Maplewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan include:
3.3Integrate Natural Resource Management into Parks and Preserves.
3.3.1Integrate food production in city parks and preserves including
edibles, foraging, permaculture, community gardens, etc.
Community or Market GardensOver One Acre
The Commission recommends that Community and Market Gardens that are over one
acre in size be allowed in any zoning district with a conditional use permit. Following is
an amendment to the City’s conditional use permit ordinance:
Sec. 44-1092. –Conditional uses.
The city council may issue conditional use permits for the following uses in any
zoning district in which they are not specifically prohibited:
. . . .
(8)Community and Market Gardens Over One Acre in Size
Community and Market Gardens Under One Acre
Sec. 44-22–Community andMarket Gardens
Permitted uses: Community andMarket Gardens Under One Acre –Allowed in
any zoning district with City staff site plan review. The following standards must
be met:
a.Maintain a 5-foot setback to all property lines.
b.On-site sales shall be limited only to products grown on the site with the
following requirements:
1)Sales shall be limited to no more than six (6) calendar days a
year.
2)Sales shall only take place between the hours of 7am –7pm.
3)Sales shall not take place on the public sidewalk or boulevard.
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c.Soil tests showing that lead levels are less than one hundred parts per
million (100ppm), or raised planting beds with soil barriers and clean,
imported soil will be required.
d.Community or market garden accessory structures are allowed including
greenhouses and hoop houses. A building permit is required for
structures larger than 200 square feet in area.
e.Subject to minimum property maintenance standards as outlined in
Maplewood City ordinances.
f.Abide by noise regulations as outlined in Maplewood City ordinances.
g.Be conducted in a manner that controls odor, dust, erosion, lighting, and
noise and is in compliance with City standards so as not to create a
nuisance.
h.Any tools, equipment, and material shall be stored and concealed within
an enclosed, secure structure.
i.When a community or market garden has been discontinued:
1)The property shall be restored with native plantings; or at a
minimum grass and ground cover to control erosion, dust, and
mud.
2)All structures accessory to the community or market garden shall
be removed.
Conditional Uses: Community or Market Gardens over one acre in size allowed
with a conditional use permit pursuant to 44-1092.
B.Front Yard Gardening
Definition:
A home garden is currently included in the “accessory use” definition as follows:
“Accessory use means a use subordinate to the main use of land or of a building on a lot
and customarily incidental thereto.” Following is the proposed definition:
Sec. 44-6. –Definitions.
Home gardenis agarden within a residential property.
Permitted Uses:
Sec. 44-101. –Permitted uses.
The only uses permitted in the R-1 residence district are as follows:
1.One single-family dwelling and its accessory buildings and useson each lot....
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. . . .
6.Home garden.
Prohibited Uses:
Section 44-103. –Prohibited uses.
The following uses areprohibited in the R-1 residence district:
. . . .
2.Accessory buildings without an associated dwelling on the same premises,
except for accessory buildingsapproved as part of a community or market
garden.
C.Permaculture
The general definition for permacultureis “sustainable agriculture that relies on
renewable resources and a self-sustaining ecosystem.”The City’s maintenance
ordinances are silent on permaculture gardening, put do prohibit tall grasses. The
Commission recommended amendments to the maintenance ordinance to ensure
permaculture is a permitted use on a residential lot without causing nuisancesto
surrounding property owners as follows:
Sec. 12-99. –Yards (Rental Housing Maintenance Code)
. . . .
(d)Removal of noxious weeds. The yard shall be free from noxious weeds and tall
nonnative turfgrassas required in section 18-31(8).
. . . .
(h)Yards and landscaped areas. The owner shall maintain all yards and
landscaping and replace all damaged or dead plants required by the city. If a
yard is landscaped with tall native grasses, a five (5) foot manicured buffer of
mowed grassor other shorter plants will be required around the perimeter of the
yard.
Sec. 12-147 (Exterior Property Areas of Owner-Occupied Housing Maintenance Code)
(a)The exterior of all structures and accessory structures of owner-occupied
dwellings, including detached garages, shall be maintained in a workmanlike
state of maintenance and repair.
(b)Removal of noxious weeds and pests. All exterior property areas shall be kept
free from noxious weeds and tall nonnative turf grass species of weeds or plant
growth, rodents, vermin or other pests which are noxious ordetrimental to the
public health.
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(c)Yards and landscaped areas. The owner shall maintain all yards and
landscaping and replace all damaged or dead plants required by the city. If a
yard is landscaped with tall native grasses, a five (5) foot manicured buffer of
mowed grasses or other shorter plants will be required around the perimeter of
the yard.
Sec. 18-31. –Nuisances affecting health, safety, comfort or repose.
The following are hereby declared to be public nuisances affecting health,safety,
comfort or repose:
. . . .
(8)All noxious weeds. Noxious weeds shall be as defined by the state department
of agriculture. Tall nonnative turfgrassesand other rank growths that are
adversely affecting the public health, safety, welfare, comfort or repose shall also
be considered a public nuisance. Wetlands and public open space such as
parks, nature center or county open space, are exempted from the tall nonnative
turf grass part of this subsection. The noxious weed requirements shall apply.
The environmental health officer shall interpret and enforce this subsection,
subject to an appeal to the city council.
D.Urban Farms
Definition:
Sec. 44-6. –Definitions.
Large-scale gardening in an urban environment for training or production.
Permitted Use:
The Commission recommends that Urban Farms be a permitted use in all Park Land
Use Districts. The City’s zoning code and Comprehensive Plan allow for the use as
follows:
Zoning Code:
DIVISION 1. -OPEN SPACE AND PARKS DISTRICT (OSP)
Sec. 44-46. -Purpose and intent.
The OSP district is designed to be a public park and open space district. Public
parks and open space may be owned or operated by Maplewood, Ramsey
County or any other public body. All improvements within these districts must be
consistent with the Maplewood Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
Sec. 44-47. -Permitted uses.
The only uses permitted in the open space and parks district, are the following:
Public open space and park lands.
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Sec. 44-48. -Development guidelines.
Improvementsand structures withinopen space lands and public parkswith
recreational facilities and structures shall be consistent with the Maplewood
Comprehensive Land Use Planand developed in conformance with the site
development requirements stipulated in the Maplewood Zoning Ordinance.
Draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan:
The goals and policies outlined in the draft Parks, Trails, and Open Space
Chapter of the Maplewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan include:
3.3Integrate Natural Resource Management into Parks and Preserves.
3.3.1Integratefood production in city parks and preserves including
edibles, foraging, permaculture, community gardens, etc.
Conditional Uses:
Sec. 44-1092. –Conditional uses.
The city council may issue conditional use permits for the following uses in any
zoning district in which they are not specifically prohibited:
. . . .
(9)Urban Farms
Direct to Consumer Sales
The following changes to the City’s ordinances were proposed by the Commission to remove
barriers and promote direct to consumer sales (additions are underlined and deletions are
stricken):
Definition:
Sec. 44-6. –Definitions.
Direct to consumer sales means the sale of agricultural products or prepared foods directly from
farmers or vendersto consumers including, but not limited to, community supported agriculture,
farm stands, farmer’s markets.
Permitted Uses Amended to Allow for Temporary Direct to Consumer Sales:
Secs. 44-427 (NC), 44-471 (CO), 44-511 (BC), 44-536 (LBC), 44-556 (BCM), 44-596 (SC), 44-
636 (M-1), 44-676 (M-2), 44-679 (MU). Permitted Uses.
The city shall only permit the following uses by right in a: Neighborhood Commercial (NC),
Commercial Office (CO), Business Commercial (BC), Limited Business Commercial (LBC),
Business Commercial Modified (BCM), Shopping Center (SC), Light Manufacturing (M-1),
Heavy Manufacturing (M-2), and Mixed-Use (MU) district: Temporary direct to consumer sales,
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up to 6 months per year,pursuant tolicensing and permitting requirementsin chapter 14, article
VI, chapter 20, article IVand chapter 28, article II.
Prohibited Uses Amended to Allow for Temporary Direct to Consumer Sales
1.Business Commercial Modified
Sec.44-559. -Prohibited uses.
Prohibited uses in the BC(M)business commercial district (modified)are as follows:
. . . .
(3)The exterior storage, display, sale, or distribution of equipment, goods, or
materials, except direct to consumer sales, up to 6 months per year,pursuant to
licensing and permitting requirementsin chapter 14, article VI, chapter 20, article
IVand chapter 28, article II.
2.Mixed Use
Sec. 44-680. –Prohibited Uses.
Type of Use: Exterior storage, display, sale or distribution of goods or materials, except
direct to consumer sales, up to 6 months per year, pursuant to licensing and permitting
requirements in chapter 14, article VI, chapter 20, article IV and chapter 28, article II.
Recommendation
Recommend approval of the proposed Crop Agriculture and Directto Consumer Sales
ordinance amendments.
Attachment
1.Urban Agriculture Report
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Attachment 1
City of Maplewood Urban Agriculture – Zoning Review
Update July 13, 2017
The Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) Commission’s 2016 goal is to review the
City’s ordinances and make recommendations that will remove barriers and promote urban
agriculture uses. There are four areas of the Commission’s review including:
Animal agriculture (keeping of chickens, etc.)
Crop agriculture (community gardens, etc.)
Direct to consumer sales (farm stands, etc.)
City Programming (composting classes, etc.)
Review of Existing Ordinances
The urban agriculture subcommittee reviewed the City’s existing zoning code to determine
where urban agriculture uses are permitted, or could be interpreted to be permitted, and where
there are barriers to the use.
Residential
Farm District (Sections 44-71 and 44-72): It is estimated there are 200 residential lots that
are zoned Farm District. The Farm District zoning is a remnant district from the City’s
agricultural era. As large lots were subdivided into smaller lot residential developments,
Farm zoned land hadbeen rezoned to Single Family Residential District (R-1).
o Permitted Uses (Section 44-71)
Commercial farming or gardening, including the use or storage of associated
equipment.
Commercial greenhouses or nurseries.
Stands for the sale of agricultural products produced on the premises is a permitted
use.
o Conditional Uses (Section 44-72)
Livestock raising and handling.Livestock is defined as “horses, cattle, mules, asses,
goats, sheep, swine, buffalo, llamas, ostriches, reptiles, genetic hybrids of the
foregoing, and other living animals usually kept for agriculture husbandry, or the
production of edible or salable byproducts.”
A landscape business or any other similar use as an accessory use to residential
property.
Single andDouble Dwelling Residential Districts Including R-1, R-1(R), R-E, R-1S, R-2
(Sections 44-101,44-117,44-152,44-192,44-241):
o Permitted Uses
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Single family homes and accessory uses.
Section 44-101includes permitted uses in residential zoning districts and specifies
that commercial plant nurseries and greenhouses on a property with a dwelling are
allowed with a home occupation license.
Crop Gardens -Accessory uses include crop gardening. Most residential crop
gardens are planted in the back or side yard. The increasing popularity of
consuming home-grown produce has expanded to the front yard. Land use
concerns include height of crops and aesthetics. The City code does not regulate
where a garden can be placed on the lot, except for restrictions on planting in the
boulevard. Sight Obstructions at Intersections (Section. 32-246): Plant material that
is higher than 2 feet, 6 inches is prohibited within the right-of-way (boulevard).
Bees -Keeping of Certain Animals (Section 10-32):No person shall keep, maintain,
or harbor within the city any animal kept in such numbers or in such a way as to
constitute a likelihood of harm to the public, which constitutes a public nuisance.
Definition of animal includes “insect.” Interpretation –bees are allowed as long as
they don’t become a nuisance.
o Conditional Uses (in the R1(R) Zoning District Only)
Commercial farming or gardening, including the use or storage or associated
equipment when on a property with a single dwelling.
Stands for the sale of agricultural products grown or produced on the property.
o Prohibited Uses
Raising or handling of livestock and poultry(except chickens as outlined in Article
IX).
Accessory buildings without an associated dwelling on the same premises.
Commercial plant nurseries, commercial greenhouses, farms or any structure for the
sale or display of commercial products when not on a property with a residential use.
o Home Occupations(Division 2)with a permit approved by the City Council if any of the
following circumstances would occur more than 30 days each year.
Employment of a nonresident.
Customers or customers’ vehicles on the premises.
Home Occupations must not:
Have more than one vehicle associated with the home occupation which is classified
as a light commercial vehicle.
Not generate traffic in greater volumes than would normally be expected in a
residential neighborhood.
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Have more than one non-resident employee workingon the premises.
Have vehiclesassociated with the home occupation parked on the street.
Example urban agriculture uses that would be allowed for 30 days per year without a
home occupation would include farm stands or CSAs.
o Uses Allowed with a Permit
Chickens(Article IX): Keeping of up to ten hens with a permit approved by City staff
is allowed in residential districts (except R-1S). Maplewood’s chicken ordinance was
adopted in 2011 and allows the keeping of up to ten hens on residential property with
a permit. A property owner applying for a permit must have consent from 100
percent of their adjacent property owners for the City to issue the permit. The fee for
a chicken permit is $75 for the first year, and $50 thereafter.
Commercial
Business Commercial/Light and Heavy Manufacturing
include the temporary exterior sale of goods, up to four
o Permitted uses in Section 44-511
months per year, pursuant to licensing and permitting requirements in chapter 14, article
vi, chapter 20, article IVand chapter 28, article II. This language would allow farm
stands, food trucks and push carts, and farmers markets if the use was limited to four
months.
o Conditional uses in Section 44-512include the exterior storage, display, sale or
distribution of goods or materials. This language would allow farm stands, food trucks
and push carts, and farmers marketsif the use continued for more than four months.
Shopping Center District
o Conditional uses in Section 44-597include the exterior storage, display, sale, or
distribution of goods or materials. This language would allow farm stands, food trucks
and push carts, and farmers markets within the Shopping Center District with a
conditional use permit, regardless of the timeframe.
Business Commercial Modified
o Prohibited uses in Section 44-559include the exterior storage, display, sale or
distribution of goods or materials. This language would restrict farm stands, food trucks
and push carts, and farmers markets within the Business Commercial Modified District.
Mixed Use District:
o Prohibited uses in Section 44-680include the exterior storage, display, sale or
distribution of goods or materials. This language would restrict farm stands, food trucks
and push carts, and farmers markets within the Mixed Use District.
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Light Manufacturing District:
o Permitted uses in Section 44-636allows manufacturing, assembly or processing of food
products, except meat, poultry or fish. This language would prohibit the assembly or
processing of fish in an aquaculture or aquaponics, which refers to fish farming and
closed loop systems that create a relationship between plants and food.
Heavy Manufacturing District:
o Permitted uses in Section 44-676allow manufacturing, assembly or processing of food
products, except meat, poultry or fish. This language would prohibit the assembly or
processing of fish in an aquaculture or aquaponics, which refers to fish farming and
closed loop systems that create a relationship between plants and food.
Conditional Use Permits(Article V): The City Council may issue conditional use permits for
the following uses in any zoning district where they are not specificallyprohibited: “Public
and private utilities, public service, or public building uses.”
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Agenda Item 6.a.
MEMORANDUM
TO: Environmental and Natural Resources Commission
FROM:Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner
DATE:December 13, 2017
SUBJECT: 2017 Sustainability Annual Report
Introduction
Local governments are in a unique position to implement and influence sustainability by the
policies they set, by the approaches they use in city operations, and by the promotion of
sustainability through city-wide education. For this reason, local governments should lead by
example. Maplewood is committed to educating and engaging community members as partners
in envisioning and building a more sustainable city. One way of accomplishing that is to report
on the City’s sustainability progress and accomplishments.
Discussion
The 2017 Sustainability Annual Report is intended to engage community members in a public
process that results in City Council adoption of, and commitment to measure and report
progress onsustainability indicators.It is also a requirement of the City’s participation in the
GreenStep Cities program to educatecommunity members about the City’svision and desired
outcomes so that these become a shared vision and outcomes.
This year staff is taking a different approach with the sustainability annual report. The report will
be included in a coordinated report to include annual reports from each commission and will be
presented during the January 2018 State of the City event. The new format reflects the fact that
many of the sustainability projects and initiatives worked on by the City requireand rely on
feedback and guidance from multiple commissionsand departments.
Recommendation
Recommend approval of the 2017 Sustainability Annual Report.
Attachment
1.2017 Sustainability Annual Report
1
Attachment 1
Sustainability
and Resiliency
Maplewood’s 2017 Sustainability Report Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Maplewood’s annual sustainability report provides a vehicle On July 24, 2017, the City Council approved a Resolution in
for the City to report on accomplishments of multiple and often
interlinked City goals, programs and projects. The report the Climate Mayors network in adopting and supporting the goals
allows the City to be transparent and accountable to community of the Paris Agreement.
members about the City’s sustainability efforts. It also serves
to educate and engage community members as partners in
envisioning and building a more sustainable city.
greenhouse gas emissions through an implementation of a
Climate Action Plan.
Energize Maplewood!
and costs of adopting policies and programs that promote the
From 2015 to 2017
long-term goal of greenhouse gas emissions reduction while
Maplewood participated
in the Partners in
Energy program. This
To ensure the City meets the commitment of reducing greenhouse
is community support
gas emissions, a City-wide and City operations baseline
program sponsored by
assessment was conducted in 2015, and will be updated yearly.
Xcel Energy. As part
of the program Maplewood adopted the Energize Maplewood!
Energy Action Plan in April 2015, and implemented the energy
1.Total City Emissions = 442,181 metric tons which was an
saving strategies outlined in the plan over the last two years.
11.81% reduction from the 2015 baseline. This represents a
Energize Maplewood! focused on two areas of energy outreach:
per capita emission of 10.94 metric tons.
Direct energy programs and coaching for local businesses, and
City-wide education and outreach campaigns to motivate local
2.Total City Operation Emissions = 2,228 metric tons which
residents to reduce their energy impacts. Results of the Energize
was a 9.82% reduction from the 2015 baseline.
exceeded the original energy goals. Highlights of the City’s
overall energy conservation programs in 2015/2016 include:
1.2,310 households participated in residential conservation
programs. Rebate programs for cooling, heating, and water
heating were higher than previous years. In 2016 there were
466 Windsource participants in the City.
2.277 businesses participated in commercial and industrial
conservation programs. Rebate programs for lighting
and energy audits were higher than previous years.
3.The electricity and natural gas saved as a result of all of
the conservation programs taken by Maplewood residents
and businesses in 2015 and 2016 totals 6,053,120 kWh of
electricity and 221,696 terms of natural gas.
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MN GreenStep Cities Step 5 AwardSolSmart Silver Designation
In October 2017, Maplewood received
and recognition program to help cities achieve their sustainability
recognizing efforts the City has
and quality-of-life goals. On June 15, 2017 Maplewood was
undertaken to create a solar friendly
community including: allowing solar by-
right and as an accessory use in all zoning districts; creating an
5 recognition when at least three of the eligible metrics are
online checklist detailing steps of our community’s solar permitting
improved from the previous year. In 2017, Maplewood improved
process, and processing solar permits in ten days or less.
on twelve sustainability best practices including:
1.
Green Team
square foot
2.
City staff, has been working on environmental and sustainability
issues at a City operation level. The Green Team also acts as the
3.
the Green Team focused on coordinated environmental education
4.
and outreach. Environmental education included videotaping
public service announcements on recycling and organics
5.Residential solid waste generated per city resident per day
decreased by .62 pounds
and submitting monthly articles in the Employee Connection
Newsletter. Outreach opportunities included the City Hall Campus
6.Percent of waste recycled increased by 1 percent
Green Team Booth at the Employee Picnic, Green Team Booth at
7.Percent of waste composted increased by 1 percent
8.Number of city-owned and private renewable energy
Environmental Education
generation sites increased by 2
Nature CenterNature Center
9.Generation capacity of city-owned and private renewable
energy sites increased by 58.86 kW
The Nature Center’s mission is to enhance awareness and
understanding of land, water, and wildlife resources; to empower
10.Annual renewable energy purchases by the city increased by
the community to become stewards of the environment. The
856.29 MWhr/year
naturalists at the Maplewood Nature Center offer environmental
education programming throughout the year. In 2017 the Nature
11.Number of local food venues increased by one
Center continued its leadership in environmental education,
completing its grant commitment to bring 800 school kids to Fish
12.Greenhouse gas emissions from energy (non transportation)
Creek to learn about pollinators.
decreased by 63,097 tons of CO2
Environmental Newsletter – Seasons
The City publishes a quarterly environmental newsletter called
environmental topics designed to educate, inspire, and promote
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