2022.05.10 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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April 26, 2022 Page 5 of 8 Development Gozola explained the SUP would run with the property and the applicant. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas requested further information regarding the sign placement/angle of the sign. Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola discussed the placement of the sign and noted the Planning Commission was not concerned about visibility from Highway 96 and Old Highway 8. He noted there a Beisswenger’s sign was clearly visible on the building and could be seen from this intersection. Motion by Councilmember Dunsworth, seconded by Councilmember Allen to adopt a Resolution Approving a Special Use Permit to Amend a Previously Approved Area of Special Control Governing Signage on the Beisswenger’s Hardware Store Site at 1823 Old Highway 8. A roll call vote was taken. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays-Motion Carried 4. Consider Professional Services Contract with paleBLUEdot for the Creation of a Climate Action Plan. City Manager Massopust indicated Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting would be presenting this item to the Council. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting discussed how sustainability and the environment has been a strategic priority for the City Council and that the Council wanted to have a Climate Action Plan in place. He stated quotes were solicited from paleBLUEdot and the Great Plains Institute. Great Plains Institute provided a range of costs from $42,000‐$81,500, and suggested the plan we were seeking would be over $70,000, whereas paleBLUEdot’s quote of $42,400 covers baseline research, community surveys and the full Climate Action Plan development. Staff commented on a sample schedule that aligns with our 2022-23 priority for the creation of Climate Action Plan. Staff noted paleBLUEdot has prepared 42 Climate Action Plans, 50 Energy Action Plans and 425 Solar Assessments. Ted Redmond, paleBLUEdot, introduced his company to the Council stating their mission was to hasten the transition to an authentically sustainable, no carbon economy and to elevate the public discourse. He discussed the number of Climate Action Plans (CAP) paleBLUEdot has completed in recent years and noted this work spans 23 states and over 40 communities in Minnesota. He then provided the Council with a presentation on how a Climate Action Plan would be generated. He described how his staff would approach the project and commented on the phases of community engagement that would be completed. It was noted three documents that would be created for the City and this would include a plan document, an action matrix supporting implementation, and an online database of example policies and ordinances supporting implementation. He commented further on the work his team would do for the City and asked for comments or questions from the Council. Councilmember Allen asked what the timeline would be for the CAP. Mr. Redmond discussed the project schedule in detail with the Council stating he hoped to have a plan back to the Council next April. Councilmember Dunsworth stated she loved this project. She noted she was the liaison to PREC and noted this group would greatly appreciate the fact the Council was creating a CAP. She discussed how the CAP would assist the City in pursuing future grant opportunities. She supported the enhanced equity approach being completed for the plan. Councilmember Abdulle commented he supported this project moving forward. He discussed the challenges and health disparities people of color face when dealing with the results of climate change. He recommended the equity approach be completed in conjunction with the CAP. He explained there may be language challenges with this process and encouraged staff to begin thinking about how to address this concern. He appreciated the fact that the City would be working to ensure all voices were heard. Councilmember Allen questioned what the cost would be to add the enhanced equity approach to the CAP. 4. Consider Professional Services Contract with paleBLUEdot for the Creation of a Climate Action Plan.