2016.02.09 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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February 9, 2016 Page 3 of 5 City Manager Lotter indicated Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting would be presenting this item to the Council. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting reported at the request of City Manager Lotter, the City Wide Action Team (CAT) was asked to review the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program. GreenStep Cities is a voluntary program municipalities can utilize to provide them with information and a framework to engage in sustainable behaviors. Being a GreenStep City provides direct access to free technical assistance or advisors that can help guide New Brighton to achieve sustainability through the implementation of best practices, which focus on cost savings, energy use reduction and innovation. These practices can be actions that have already been completed or implemented by the City. Staff reviewed the best practices in detail with the Council and recommended the Council adopt a Resolution authorizing participation in the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program. If the City Council approves this Resolution, the CAT will review and document best practices that have been completed to date to determine if we have met the requirements for Step Two or Three. He then introduced Diana McKeown to the City Council. Diana McKeown, Minnesota GreenStep Cities, thanked the Council for their time and provided a presentation on Taking Action with Proven Best Practices. She reported this was an action -oriented voluntary program offering cities a cost-effective, step -wise path to implement sustainable development best practices. It was noted GreenStep Cities began in 2007. The history and growth of the initiative was reviewed with the Council. Ms. McKeown discussed the partners working with GreenStep, the benefits of the program to municipalities and indicated 91 cities have chosen to participate in this program. The program requirements were then defined. Councilmember Jacobsen requested further information on the steps within the program. Ms. McKeown described the various actions the City would have to take to achieve the defined steps within the program. Mayor Johnson questioned the benefits of New Brighton becoming a GreenStep City. Ms. McKeown believed the program was a transparent way for the City to share its sustainable practices with the community. In addition, the City would be recognized among other cities for its sustainability measures. City Manager Lotter added that the program would offer the City a broader perspective on sustainable options available to the City, while also providing staffwith more resources. Councilmember Staab supported the opportunity and believed it would offer the community pride in the sustainability efforts that were already taking place. In addition, the program may also encourage residents and business owners to pursue green energy solutions. He looked forward to discussing this initiative with the City's various Commissions and Committees. Councilmember Bauman believed the GreenStep program was far overreaching and thought the City was already doing enough. She did not support the City becoming a GreenStep City given the fact the program was not streamlined. She was of the opinion that the City did not need a partnership to define its sustainability practices. Councilmember Burg appreciated Councilmember Bauman's opinion. However, she wanted to see the City recognized for its green initiatives. She provided comment on the HVAC units that would be replaced at the Community Center and wanted to see this work done in a green -friendly manner. She wanted the City to take the lead when it came to sustainability practices. Councilmember Jacobsen stated he was tom on this issue and the benefit that the program would bring to the City. He did see the benefits of receiving acknowledgement for the efforts the City was already making when it came to sustainability. His only concern was if this program was the best fit for the City of New Brighton. Mayor Johnson asked if staff supported the program. City Manager Lotter responded the CAT team has reviewed the program believed it would be beneficial for the City of New Brighton to participate in GreenStep Cities. He explained the program offered an organized effort and would acknowledge the City's efforts. He did find the program to be onerous and discussed how GreenStep would open the door to more resources than have been tapped into by staff in the past. He strongly recommended the Council support the Resolution. Councilmember Staab recognized Mounds View City Councilmember Gary Meehlhause's son was on a slide in the presentation and was a part of the GreenStep Cities program in the City of Bemidji.