2023.05.23 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Worksession May 9, 2023 5:00 pm Present: Mayor Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas Councilmember Abdullahi Abdulle Councilmember Graeme Allen Councilmember Pam Axberg Councilmember Emily Dunsworth Absent: Staff in Attendance: Devin Massopust, Craig Schlichting Guests in Attendance: CAP/PIE Status Update Schlichting stated paleBLUEdot and Partners in Energy (PIE) came together for an introductory workshop that showcased the community’s baselines for each of the focus areas of the plan and parallel tracts of climate action planning and energy planning. The team created a shared vision, began development of the full plan goal, and broke into two core planning teams (CAP Team and PIE Team) for subsequent workshops. The PIE team focuses on the energy section of the plan and work with Partners in Energy to dive deeply into the community’s energy use, energy program participation, model goal scenarios, action plan, and will identify energy opportunities in New Brighton to help meet climate goals. The CAP team has focused its attention on all other sections of the components of the Climate Action Plan including: transportation and land use, waste management, water and wastewater, local food and agriculture, greenspace and trees, climate health and safety, and climate economy. This team has worked together through a series of two interactive workshops (a third workshop is planned for May 25) supporting team member collaboration. The CAP Team and the PIE Team will come together for a final workshop in June to bring their strategies and actions together and undergo community asset mapping as they can support the efforts outlined in the plan. The teams will also make final decisions around each piece of the plan, and brainstorm next steps for adoption, integration and implementation. Both teams will also have the opportunity to attend a Draft Plan review kickoff meeting when the draft plan is made available for public review and input. Staff commented on the preliminary goals within the plan, discussed the next steps for the action items within the plan and asked for comments or questions. Councilmember Abdulle questioned what the percentage of greenhouse gases were coming from transportation. Schlichting reported community wide noted 42% of base green house gases are coming from transportation and 56% was coming from energy. Councilmember Allen asked if other communities tap into the two aquifers that are tapped by the City. Schlichting explained the Prairie Du Chien/Jordan aquifer was pretty common and was tapped by Fridley and St. Anthony. He noted Roseville and Columbia Heights use other water resources. He stated the City of New Brighton had the benefit of having multiple water sources.