HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-10-18 ENR Packet
AGENDA
CITY OF MAPLEWOOD
ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
Monday, October 18, 2021
7:00 p.m.
Maplewood City Council Chambers
1803 County Road B East
Call to Order
Roll Call
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Minutes:
September 20, 2021
New Business
Resolution of Appreciation for Keith Buttleman
Unfinished Business
Renewable Energy Ordinance and SolSmart Certification
Visitor Presentations
Commissioner Presentations
Staff Presentations (oral reports only)
Update on Harvest Park Native Seed Garden Event Held on October 7
Fall Clean Up Campaign
Update on Shredding Event Held on October 9
Reduced Price Bulky Item Collection – Throughout October
Free Mattress Collection – Throughout October
Solar Power Hour
Update on Virtual Solar Power Hour Held Friday October 8
On Site Solar Power Hour to be held at Nature Center on October 26
Metro Clean Energy Resource Teams Seed Grant Application
ENR Commissioner Interviews (October ) and Appointments ()
Adjourn
Agenda Item 4.a.
MINUTES
CITY OF MAPLEWOOD
ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
1830 COUNTY ROAD B EAST, MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2021
7:00 P.M.
1.CALL TO ORDER
A meeting of the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission was called to order at
7:00 p.m.by Chairperson Palzer.
2.ROLL CALL
Rebecca Bryan, CommissionerPresent
Keith Buttleman, CommissionerAbsent
Kayla Dosser, Vice ChairpersonPresent
Mollie Miller, CommissionerAbsent
Ann Palzer, ChairpersonPresent
Ted Redmond, CommissionerPresent
Staff Present
Shann Finwall, Environmental Planner
3.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
CommissionerRedmondmoved to approve the agenda.
Seconded by Vice ChairpersonBryan.Ayes – All
The motion passed.
4.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
CommissionerDosser moved to approve the August 16, 2021, Environmental and Natural
Resources Commission meeting minutes as submitted.
Seconded by Commissioner Redmond. Ayes – All
The motion passed.
5.NEW BUSINESS
a.Wetland Buffer Variance for a New Single Family House - 1091 County Road C
Environmental Planner Finwall presented the details of the variance. The applicants
are proposing to build a new single-family house on the lotat 1091 County Road C.
There is a Manage A wetland on the north side of the lot, adjacent Kohlman Lake.
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Grading for the house will come to within 30 feet of the edge of the wetland, which
requires a 45-foot wetland buffer variance.
Katie Schurrer and Justin Haynes, owners of the lot, and their architect, Will
Spencer, addressed the Commission.
The ENR Commission reviewed the wetland buffer mitigation strategiesoutlined in
the staff report including adding 1,000 square feet of native plantings adjacent the
wetland. Discussion on the following items:
Native plantings to be located along the edge of the reed canary grass, within
1,000 square feet of previously mowed lawn.
Rain gardens would not be effective at capturing stormwater due to the grade of
the lot.
Future dock options including sharing a dock with the neighbor and limited
impacts to the wetland buffer with a floating dock or dock built on piers.
There are many benefits to adding native plants including acting as a filter to the
stormwater and creating habitat and food for pollinators.
Commissioner Dossermoved to approve the wetland buffer variance and wetland buffer
mitigation strategies for a new house at 1091 County Road C.
Seconded by Commissioner Bryan.Ayes –Dosser, Bryan, Palzer.
Nay –Redmond
The motion passed.
6.NEWBUSINESS
None.
7.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
None.
8.COMMISSIONERPRESENTATIONS
None.
9.STAFF PRESENTATIONS
a.Fall Clean Up Campaign
1)Reduced Price Bulky Item Collection –Throughout October
2)Free Mattress Collection –Throughout October
3)Free Shredding Event –October 9
Environmental Planner Finwall gave details on the Fall Clean Up Campaign. More
information can be found at www.maplewoodmn.gov/cleanups.
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b.Harvest Park Native Seed Garden Open House –October 7
Environmental Planner Finwall said that an Urban Roots Youth Group wouldbe
present at the Harvest Park Native Seed Garden on October 7 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
They will give a history of the garden, seed gathering demonstration, offer tips on
caring for a native plant garden, and identify the native plants on site.
c.Solar Power Hours –October 8 and 26
Environmental Planner Finwall said Maplewood is collaboratingwith Midwest
Renewable Energy Association to offer two Solar Power Hours. A virtual event on
October 8 and an in-person event at the Nature Center on October 26.
d.ENR Commission Vacancies
Environmental Planner Finwall said Commissioner Buttleman’s term ends
September 30, 2021. He has chosen not to seek reappointment. That leaves two
Commission vacancies on the ENR Commission. The City Council will be
interviewing Commission applicants soon.
e.Update on the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area and Slopes and Bluffs
Ordinances
Environmental Planner Finwall said the Planning Commission will hold a public
hearing on the MRCCA and Slopes and Bluffs Ordinances on September 21, 2021.
The City Council will review the ordinance on September 27, 2021. Once approved,
the ordinance will be forwarded to the Department of Natural Resources by the
deadline of October 1, 2021.
10.ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Dosser made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Seconded by Vice ChairpersonBryan.Ayes –All
The motion passed.
The meeting was adjourned by Chairperson Palzerat 7:53p.m.
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Agenda Item 5.a.
ENVIRONMENTAL & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSIONSTAFF REPORT
Meeting Date October 18, 2021
REPORT TO:
Environmental and Natural Resources Commission
REPORT FROM:
Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner
PRESENTER:
Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner
AGENDA ITEM: Resolution of Appreciation for Keith Buttleman
Action Requested: Motion Discussion Public Hearing
Form of Action: Resolution Ordinance Contract/Agreement
Proclamation
Policy Issue:
When citizen members end their time of service on a commission, the City considers adoption
of a resolution of appreciation recognizing the individual for their time committed to serving
Maplewood.
Recommended Action:
Motion to recommend approval of a Resolution of Appreciation for Keith Buttleman.
Fiscal Impact:
Is There a Fiscal Impact? No Yes, the true or estimated cost is $0
Financing source(s): Adopted Budget Budget Modification New Revenue
Source
Use of Reserves Other: n/a
Strategic Plan Relevance:
Financial Sustainability Integrated Communication Targeted Redevelopment
Operational Effectiveness Community Inclusiveness Infrastructure & Asset
Mgmt.
The City appreciates its citizen volunteers and provides recognition for members upon
resignation.
Background
Keith Buttleman resigned as a member of the Environmental and Natural Resources
Commission on September 30, 2021. Mr. Buttleman served on the Commission for five years
and eight months, from January 25, 2016, to September 30, 2021.
Attachments
1. Resolution of Appreciation for Keith Buttleman
Attachment 1
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION
WHEREAS, Keith Buttleman has been a member of the Maplewood Environmental and
Natural Resources Commission for five years and eight months, serving from January 25, 2016,
to September 30, 2021. Mr. Buttleman has served faithfully in those capacities; and
WHEREAS, the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission and City Council
have appreciated his experience, insights and good judgment; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Buttleman has freely given of his time and energy, without
compensation, for the betterment of the City of Maplewood; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Buttleman has shown dedication to his duties and has consistently
contributed his leadership and efforts for the benefit of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT ISHEREBY RESOLVED for and on behalf of the City of
Maplewood, Minnesota, and its citizens that Keith Buttleman is hereby extended our gratitude
and appreciation for his dedicated service.
Passed by the Maplewood
City Council on October 25, 2021
______________________________
Marylee Abrams, Mayor
Attest:
________________________________
Andrea Sindt, City Clerk
Agenda Item 6.a.
ENVIRONMENTAL & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSIONSTAFF REPORT
Meeting Date October 18, 2021
REPORT TO:
Environmental and Natural Resources Commission
REPORT FROM: Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner
PRESENTOR:
Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner
AGENDA ITEM: Renewable Energy Ordinanceand SolSmart Certification
Action Requested: Motion Discussion Public Hearing
Form of Action: Resolution Ordinance Contract/Agreement Proclamation
Policy Issue:
The renewable energy ordinance was adopted in October 2011. The ordinance assists the City in
the promotion of renewable energy sources while addressing regulations for wind, solar, and
geothermal. The Environmental and Natural Resources completed a review of that ordinance in
2018.
Recommended Motion:
Review and discuss the Renewable Energy Ordinance and SolSmart Program.
Fiscal Impact:
Is There a Fiscal Impact? No Yes, the true or estimated cost is n/a
Financing source(s): Adopted Budget Budget Modification New Revenue Source
Use of Reserves Other: n/a
Strategic Plan Relevance:
Financial SustainabilityIntegrated CommunicationTargeted Redevelopment
Operational Effectiveness Community Inclusiveness Infrastructure & Asset Mgmt.
Renewable energy is a valuable resource. Removing barriers to this resource will ensure
community inclusiveness. It will allow all residents and businesses to capture the benefits of
appropriately designed and sited renewable energy sources. Operational effectiveness will be
achieved with the removal of barriers and promotion of renewable energy. It will assist the City in
meeting its Comprehensive Plan energy goals. One of the goals states that the City will encourage
and support renewable energy by obtaining a minimum of 50 percent of all electric energy from
renewable sources by 2040.
Background
Energy Planning
The Sustainability Chapter of the City’s 2040 Draft Comprehensive Plan outlines energy goals and
policies (https://maplewoodmn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/22480/09_Sustainability-PDF?bidId
=).
One of the goals is to encourage and support renewable energy by obtaining a minimum of 50
percent of all electric energy from renewable sources by 2040.
Local governments have influence over renewable energy growth. Unnecessary paperwork, red
tape, and other requirements increase costs and discourage renewable energy companies from
moving to the area. Streamlining the requirements and taking other steps to encourage renewable
energy development will help the City meet its renewable energy goals and promote economic
development and new jobs.
2011 Renewable Energy Ordinance
The City Council adopted the Renewable Energy Ordinance on October 10, 2011. The ordinance
applies to the regulations for renewable energy systems including wind turbines, solar systems, and
geothermal ground-source heat pumps. The renewable energy regulations are intended to
supplement existing zoning ordinances and land use practices, and ensure these systems are
appropriately designed, sited, and installed.
SolSmart Program
Program Designation
SolSmart (https://solsmart.org/) is a national program led by theInternational City/County
Management Association and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, along with a team of
partners with expertise in solar energy and local governments. SolSmart uses objective criteriato
designate communities that have successfully met the goals of the program. Communities receive
designations of SolSmart Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Since the program launched in 2016, more
than 400 cities, counties, and regional organizations in 41 states, the District of Columbia, and the
U.S. Virgin Islands have achieved SolSmart designation, representing over 99 million people.
Maplewood has completed 215 SolSmart credits and has received the Silver designation (see
attached summary). Following are the highlights of the City’s action items:
1. Creation of an online permitting checklist, increasing transparency for community members
and solar installers.
2. SolSmart review of local zoning codes and identification of restrictions that intentionally or
unintentionally prohibit solar PV development.
3. Allow solar by-right accessory use in all zones (so solar installations don’t require special
permits or hearings)
4. Cross-trained both inspection and permitting staff on solar PV.
The Gold designation requires two prerequisites and 200 total points. In order to qualify for Gold
Maplewood would need to complete one additional pre-requisite as follows: “Post an online
statement confirming a three-business day turnaround time for small rooftop solar PV”.
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Small Rooftop Solar Permits
The SolSmart Program states that the number one way local governments can influence solar
development is through the permitting and inspection process. Cities have direct oversight of
permitting and inspection. Streamlining the process to facilitate solar energy construction, without
compromising safety standards, can dramatically reduce the time and expense for solar
installations. Conversely, an unnecessarily cumbersome process can delay installations and
increase costs for consumers.
In 2018, the City reviewed its solar permitting process and fees. Depending on the complexity of
the solar permit and how many other permits the City was reviewing, a solar permit averaged one to
two weeks to process. Additionally, since the City contracts its electrical inspections, a solar
system requires two permits – a solar permit and an electrical permit, both with their own review
process and timeline. The cost of the permit was based on the cost of the project. From that
review, the City was able to streamline the fee structure for residential solar systems, charging a
$200 flat fee. However, the process and timing of permit reviews has not changed.
To meet the gold designation the City would have to process small solar system permits in three
business days. SolSmart outlines ways to accomplish this through a permit process intended to
simplify the structural and electrical review, establish guidelines to determine when a solar system
is within the boundaries of typical, well-engineered systems, and minimize the need for detailed
engineering studies and unnecessary delays. The streamlined process is not intended to
circumvent the engineering process, but show clear conformity to code requirements. The process
is outlined on their website at www.solsmart.org/permitting.
Another resource for the City is the new solar permitting app (https://solarapp.nrel.gov/). The
National Renewable Energy Laboratory launched a collaborative effort with key code officials,
authorities having jurisdiction, and the solar industry to develop standardized plan review software
that can run compliance checks and process building permit approvals for eligible rooftop solar
systems. The app can integrate with existing government software; automate plan review, permit
approval, and project tracking; standardize up to 90% of standard system plans; and includes an
inspection checklist verification and final sign-off after installation.
Staff will review ways to streamline the small solar system permitting process with the building
official in the coming months. Updates on possible solutions will be presented to the ENR
Commission.
Program Updates
New SolSmart criteria was released on January 4, 2021. A comparison of the old and new criteria
is attached. Cities that are already in the SolSmart program can continue with the legacy credits
and application until December 31, 2021. The additional pre-requisite required by the City to
process small solar systems within three business days in order to achieve the Gold designation
has not changed from the legacy to the new criteria and will not impact Maplewood’s efforts to
improve our standing.
Cities are not required to renew their designation criteria annually. However, SolSmart does reach
out at least annually to check in and see how they can support and elevate the work we are doing,
or move a City up in designation if applicable. SolSmart experts are working with the City now on
those reviews.
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Renewable Energy Ordinance
2018 Review
In 2018 the SolSmart national solar experts reviewed Maplewood’s 2011 solar regulations to
assess possible obstacles (i.e. height restrictions, setback requirements, etc.) and gaps. They
outlined the following issues:
1.On and off site solar: The ordinance restricts solar energy systems to on-site use,
precluding off-site, shared, or community solar facilities.
2.No exemptions provided: No exemptions or allowances are provided for height, setback, or
lot coverage for solar energy systems.
3.Visibility restrictions and screening requirements: The wording “solar energy systems shall
be designed to blend into the architecture of the building or be screened from routine view
from public right-of-ways other than alleys “ could be interpreted to prevent a rooftop system
that is no flush mounted.
Throughout 2018 the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission reviewed the 2011
Renewable Energy Ordinance and recommended changes based on the SolSmart review and new
renewable energy technologies and information available since 2011 (refer to draft ordinance
attached). The draft ordinance still needs to be reviewed and approved by the City Council.
2021 Review
Staff asked the SolSmart experts to review the 2018 amended ordinance since it has been three
years since the ENR Commission’s review and recommendation. SolSmart reviewed the solar
section of the ordinance and recommended the inclusion of explicit visibility allowances/restrictions
for ground-mounted solar systems that are not community solar gardens. Examples include ground
mounted residential solar systems that include two units (one in the front yard and one in the back
yard as an example), or a solar carport in a residential, commercial, or industrial context.
Attachments
1.Maplewood SolSmart Designation Criteria
2.SolSmart Program Criteria Changes
3.Comparison of the Existing (2011) and Amended Draft (2018) Renewable Energy Ordinance
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Attachment 1
Attachment 2
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4
5
6
7
8
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10
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Attachment
Comparison of the Existing (2011) and Amended Draft (2018) Renewable Energy Ordinance
Draft Ordinance Updates as of December 2018
ORDINANCE NO. 914_____
AN ORDINANCE TO THE MAPLEWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING
RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMSAn Ordinance Regulating Renewable Energy
Systems (Wind, Solar, Geothermal)
A
.
e. Abandonment
Section 7. Ordinance Placement
Chapter18
ENVIRONMENT
ArticleI.InGeneral
Sec.011825.Reserved.
ArticleII.Nuisances
Division1.Generally
Sec.1826Unlawfultocause,createorcommit.
Sec.1827Commonlawandstatutorynuisancesadoptedbyreference.
Sec.1828Unlawfultopermit;cellars,drainscesspoolsorsewers.
Sec.1829Rentalagentstodisclosenameofownerorprincipaltocitymanageruponrequest.
Sec.1830Publicnuisancesgenerally.
Sec.1831Nuisancesaffectinghealth,safety,comfortorrepose.
Sec.1832Nuisancesaffectingmoralsandsafety.
Sec.1833Enforcementofarticlegenerally.
Sec.1834Continuingviolations.
Sec.1835Noticetoabate.
Sec.1836Abatementbycouncil.
Sec.1837Abatementonpremises.
Sec.1838Violationsofarticle.
Sec.1839Loitering.
Sec.18401865.Reserved.
Division2.AbandonedMotorVehicles
Sec.1866Purpose.
Sec.1867Definitions.
Sec.1868Violation.
Sec.1869Takingintocustodyandimpoundment.
Sec.1870Certainvehiclesdeclarednuisances;abatement;removal.
Sec.1871Immediatesaleofcertainvehicles.
Sec.1872Additionalremedies.
Sec.1873Policereports.
Sec.1874Noticetoownerandlienholders.
Sec.1875Reclamationbyownerorlienholder;preservationoflienrights.
Sec.1876Saleofvehicle.
Sec.1877Designationofpoundkeeper.
Sec.1878Bondofpoundkeeper.
Sec.1879Insuranceofpoundkeeper.
Sec.1880Towingandstoragechargesgenerally.
Sec.1881Releaseofvehicleandservicefeebeforevehicletowedaway.
Sec.1882Abatementoftowingandstoragecharges.
Sec.1883Releaseofvehicles.
Sec.1884Releaseform.
Sec.1885Policerecords.
Sec.188618110.Reserved.
Division3.NoiseControl
Sec.18111Prohibitiongenerally;exception.
Sec.18112Constructionactivities.
Sec.18113Enforcement.
Sec.1811418140.Reserved.
ArticleIII.ErosionandSedimentationControl
Sec.18115Purpose.
Sec.18116Scope.
Sec.18117Erosionandsedimentcontrolplan.
Sec.18118Reviewofplan.
Sec.18119Modificationofplan.
Sec.18120Escrowrequirement.
Sec.18121Enforcement;penalty.
Sec.1812218175.Reserved.
ArticleIV.AirPollutionControl
Sec.18176Shorttitle.
Sec.18177Stateregulationsadopted.
Sec.18178Approvalrequiredtostartfire.
Sec.18179Penaltiesforviolations.
Sec.1818018XXX.Reserved.
ArticleV.EnvironmentalProtectionandCriticalAreas
Division1.StormwaterManagement
Division2.WetlandsandStreams
Division3.TreeProtection
Division4.Slopes
Division5.MississippiCriticalArea
Division6.FloodPlainOverlayDistrict
Division7.ShorelandOverlayDistrict
Division8.RenewableEnergy