Best Practice Action Detail

The City has a no idling policy and provides training to employees on best operating practices for more efficient driving. The City currently has 7 electric vehicles utilized across its fleet, including the state's first all-electric police patrol vehicle. The City will take delivery of a fully electric Kenworth Class 5 park garbage truck in early 2023.

When considering fuel efficiency, the City of Burnsville's Fleet Manager monitors fuel usage and cost on a monthly basis, and follow's a regular maintenance schedule according to the vehicle's manufacturer to optimize vehicle life and fuel efficiency. In order to ensure that fuel efficient cars are utilized optimally, staff that drive the hybrid Toyota Prius vehicles are required to attend a training held by Burnsville's Fleet Manager. The City is also in the process of implementing a no-idling policy; it will be fully instated within the next 6 months. Lower-carbon emitting fuels are used when financially feasible; the city has installed an E-85 pumping station that 52 vehicles in it's fleet are equipped to run on. Originally, all of these vehicles regularly re-fueled with E85, but over the past year the price of E85 has jumped tremendously, and less vehicles utilize this fuel. The Ice Center has two ice-resurfacing vehicles that run on High Pressure Natural Gas.

We purchased a PHEV for our Building Inspections team in 2021! We went with the Mitsubishi Outlander and we are so happy with the purchase.

Coon Rapids currently has a policy that staff is not to park and idle engines. There had been discussion of installing automatic idle shut offs in all trucks and heavy equipment if the policy is not effective enough. City Park equipment including an athletic field striper was updated from gas to battery powered to be more efficient. The city fleet includes one hybrid vehicle, purchased in 2019, and one electric vehicle, also purchased in 2019.

The City of Detroit Lakes Public Utilities will be purchasing an electric vehicle for its smaller fleet vehicle.

As part of the City's Green Purchasing Policy and to aid in reaching emission reduction goals, policies were set forth as part of Phase 1--No Idling Policy, which was adopted in 2018 and amended in 2021, whereby City of Edina vehicles are not to be left running for longer than 5 minutes while unattended or parked (unless applicable to the listed policy exemptions).
As part of Phase 2--Purchase Clean Technology, which was adopted in 2021 this policy requires any new vehicle request for purchase must replace existing vehicles with a fuel efficient alternative (or demonstrate the business need for an exception based on the exception criteria stated in the policy). The goal for vehicle alternatives is 30% or greater in efficiency. Additionally, any new vehicle purchase request must demonstrate that the purchaser has reviewed relevant options for an electric vehicle replacement, a hybrid vehicle replacement, and/or a higher mileage efficiency replacement than the existing vehicle. Likewise, vehicles procured from the City’s impounded vehicles inventory are subject to the same requirements. Conservation and Sustainability Fund dollars are available to offset additional costs incurred by purchasing a more fuel-efficient vehicle than is being replaced.

Staff take a proactive approach and have regular preventative maintenance done at set intervals, depending on the classification of the vehicles. Staff periodically reviews vehicle fuel usage and costs and have found that regular oil changes and fuel additives help to optimize the fleet’s fuel efficiency and extend vehicle life.
In 2013, public works staff reviewed its snowplowing zones and routes for streets and sidewalks in order to optimize fuel and labor efficiencies. In addition, the City purchased GPS (global positioning system)/AVL (automatic vehicle location) technology and installed it in all snow removal equipment. These actions have resulted in improved efficiency in operations, and a reduction in fuel usage and the application of chemicals (salt).
Golden Valley City Council adopted a no-idling policy for City staff in 2008. The Golden Valley Police Department is exploring options for squad car computer systems that would allow for reduced idling.

Maplewood does monthly monitoring and reporting on city fuel usage and cost through a computerized fuel card that employees use at the city gas pump for vehicles. The city also has regularly scheduled maintenance on their vehicles to optimize vehicle life and efficiency .

Snow plow training is mandatory every other year for staff on vehicle safety and the incorporation of the no-idling policy. City vehicles are under a maintenance schedule to help optimize vehicle life, fuel efficiency, and operation. In 2009, Maplewood transitioned from biodiesel B2 to biodiesel B5. In addition, B10 fuel is used during warmer summer months. All fuel used by the city also has an EcoClean additive that increases the efficiency of these biodiesel blends.

The city of Maplewood also purchase a fully electric car (GEM car) in 2009, this vehicle is used to take shorter trips around the city campus and the city at large. In 2011 the City retrofitted two plow trucks with new catalyst mufflers to reduce particulates from emissions.

The Maplewood police department has installed GeoTab fleet telemetry units in all marked police cars. These units use GPS to help the city develop policies that maximize driver safety and improve overall monitoring of the fleet. It also increase monitoring capabilities of system data which can lead to things like vehicle idling, a common waste of fuel and creator of CO2 emissions.

Since 2011 the city has converted three pieces of equipment (2 Bobcats and 1 mower) to EPA Tier 4 emissions compliant equipment.

d. Alternative fuel vehicles. [?]
Rochesters bus fleet have recently been retrofitted with new diesel technology, which allows them to run b5% biodiesel. Which puts out nearly zero emissions.
e. Charging stations (solar or wind powered) for plug-in hybrid and full electric vehicles.
Rochester currently has 3 Charging stations, one is located at Rochester Public Utilities, the other 2 are located in parking garages downtown.
f. Lower-carbon fuels (such as biodiesel above the State-mandated 5%, straight vegetable oil) using a life-cycle calculation. See point D.

Since 2008, the Public Services Department has been tracking and assessing the carbon footprint of operations by tabulating energy consumption by fuel type and associated carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Included are offsets related to power generation at the Hydroelectric Facility, and bio-solids recycling. In 2009, carbon offsets exceeded carbon emissions by a factor of three to one. Also, an oil analysis program exists to extend engine oil drain interval and monitor the wear condition of large truck engines. All City vehicles and equipment undergo monthly preventative maintenance, and are included in the equipment maintenance consolidation effort to reduce equipment inventory and share across departments. The City has a no-idling policy requiring vehicles to be shut off during non-mobile work activities such as loading.

Through community partnerships, the St. Cloud Metro Bus is home to the nations first public bus powered by recycled vegetable oil coming directly from St. Cloud State Universitys on-campus dining, saving an estimated $2.30 per gallon.

The City of Saint Paul has a no idling policy and several of the large trucks do have idle shut down systems installed. The City continues to evaluate electric and other drive systems which may be added to the four electric drive vehicles which have been placed into service since over the past four years.

The City of Shakopee has begun to phase-in electric vehicles for its city fleet replacing one existing gasoline powered vehicle with two additional EVs to replace gasoline vehicles; the City has also installed two private chargers for fleet purposes.

The City’s Vehicle Purchasing Values (AD-ADMIN-1.14) directive lists as one of its goals, “Encouraging an expansion in the number of hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles purchased and maintained by the City.” The City also has a No Idling Policy (AD-ADMIN-1.15) for vehicles (outside of public safety) that states, among other things, that “idling for more than 30 seconds without vehicle movement is prohibited.” (Attach No Idling Policy)

The city uses vehicle maintenance software to ensure that each vehicle in the fleet is serviced at least two times each year, to optimize vehicle life and fuel efficiency. City staff monitors monthly fuel use and miles per gallon for vehicles within each department. Fuel use and MPG are tracked using a fuel card at city pumps. Fuel and MPG data is available for several years and is compared annually to ensure that the total efficiency of the fleet continues to increase.

The city fleet includes 2 hybrids, 4 electric vehicles for parks maintenance, and 33 vehicles that use E85. In 2013, an electric vehicle was purchased for Eagle Valley Golf Course, with help from an MPCA grant.

The City’s Vehicle Purchasing Values (AD-ADMIN-1.14) directive lists as one of its goals, “Encouraging an expansion in the number of hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles purchased and maintained by the City.” The City also has a No Idling Policy (AD-ADMIN-1.15) for vehicles (outside of public safety) that states, among other things, that “idling for more than 30 seconds without vehicle movement is prohibited.”

Supervisors monitor vehicle fuel use, staff discussions discourage vehicle idling and newer vehicles have anti-idling controls, and staff monitor and adjust maintenance schedules for optimum efficiency.

Each department monitors and tracks the number of gallons of fuel used and is reported to finance dept. Street dept. plows and dump trucks are set up to automatically turn off after 10-12 min of idling. Oil changes are set at 5,000-7,000 and 3,000-4,000 miles for diesel engines in Park & Rec dept. Tire pressure, change filters, & other maintenance to be monitored on weekly basis by primary operators. Currently purchasing Tier 4 Diesel vehicles- more fuel efficient

Duluth has had a No Idling policy for all city employees since 2009.
Duluth also has 5 hybrid vehicles for use by parking enforcement, 3 2016 RAV4 and 2 2018 RAV4s.

Current monthly fuel usage for each City vehicle is monitored and reported.

All Eagan employees are subjected to the 'no idling policy'. All unattended vehicle must be shut off.

Eagan follows the manufacturer's recommendations for preventative maintenance. Gas mileage is also tracked and documented to make necessary corrections as the results decline. The City uses a Vehicle Conditioning Index to maximize usage of vehicles before they are replaced.

The City has a pilot program underway in which two hybrid vehicles have been purchased to monitor effectiveness and cost-saving potential.

Mandated biodiesel state requirement of 5% (B5).

The City has downsized numerous vehicles to gain better fuel efficiency. For example, the fire department has replaced large, SUVs with smaller, Ford Escapes, which provide enough room for necessary equipment, while increasing fuel economy.

bicycle utilization for property and trail maintenance crews. Police Explorers also use bicycles on occassion in City parks.

3.e and 3.h not complete

Faribault has a no-idling policy for City fleet vehicles.

2) The City has a monthly program monitoring and reporting fuel usage and costs.
3c) The City also has a maintenance schedule to insure that the City fleet optimizes vehicle life and fuel efficiency.

The stoplights in the downtown area go into a blinking mode at night to help with idling of vehicles. The Police Department and Public Works Departments each have no-idling policies. In November there is a planned grand opening of the Compressed Natural Gas facility in the City of Fergus Falls.

Dakota County Fleet Management; downsized/more efficient vehicles

Hopkins currently monitors the Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments' fuel usage and costs. There is monthly maintenance scheduled on all City vehicles.

There are two designated electric car permit stalls with electrical outlets located in the public downtown parking ramp.

In addition, bicycles are made available for city inspectors.

The City of Hutchinson has implemented a no-idling policy within the fleet. This includes no idling when parked and not left running while unattended.

La Crescent police department implemented a no-idling practice in one of their policies. The section on idling is on page 2 of the attached document.

The city's shared police department (With Circle Pines & Centerville) is transitioning to hybrid vehicles . The departement will be purchasing 2 vehicles in 2022 and adding additional vehicles when current ones reach end of life.

The Citys Central Garage has implemented and adheres to a regular maintenance schedule for all City vehicles and equipment, which keeps them running as efficiently as possible while maximizing their lifespan and minimizing repair costs.

The Department of Public Safety has purchased and utilizes two 3-wheeled electric vehicles for patrol and security purposes, as well as one fuel-efficient Suzuki mini-truck for park patrol and emergency use. Public Safety has transitioned to mroe fuel-efficient squad vehicles (Fort Police Utility and Taurus sedans)due in part to greater fuel-efficiency over competitors.

The City has adopted a "no idling" policy for all City employees and vehicles, in order to reduce emissions and fuel costs.

It is the policy of the City of Marshall that City owned vehicles are not to be left running when they are unattended, nor shall they be left idling while parked.

By monitoring required fuel logs and mileage, staff is able to monitor vehicle idling. This information is used to educate employees about the important of reducing the idle times of city fleet vehicles. When decreased fuel mileage suggests an increase in average idle time, staff is re-educated. The city also uses a maintenance program to optimize fuel efficiency and vehicle life.

From 2011-2012, the city replaced 3 inefficient inspectors vehicles with energy-efficient Ford Fusion cars.

The City of Nisswa maintains its fleet of vehicles by subjecting them to regular maintenance and upkeep up to and including; preventative maintenance, fixing existing issues, and regulating the life expectancy of our vehicles. In the future it is our plan to look into grants for electric car charging stations as well. We encourage limiting vehicles idling whenever possible to prevent pollution as well as preserving the longevity of our fleet.

City is purchasing its first EV vehicle Ford 150 Lightening and will work on implementing a plan moving forward.

City fleet fuel usage and costs are monitored on a monthly basis. All vehicles receive regular maintenance from in-house maintenance facility. All drivers practice efficient driving techniques and are encourage to not leave any vehicle idle.

The City has AVL (automatic vehicle locator) technology on 85% of its fleet. AVL monitors idle time and records indicate idling is not a significant problem. City efforts include: a) Monthly monitoring and reporting for staff on fuel usage and costs. b) Training for more efficient driving, including anti-idling behavior/rules. c) Maintenance schedules that optimize vehicle life and fuel efficiency. d) Installed electric power feedpoint in employee parking area at City Hall. e) Currently using B-10 diesel fuel. g) Purchasing 2 electric vehicles in 2019.

The city has a no-idling practice in place for city vehicles.

The City of St. Anthony monthly monitors and reports on fuel usage and costs, conducts training to improve driving efficiency, and utilizes Police Department bike patrols. The City provides satellite parking locations for Hennepin County vehicles to reduce trips, fuel, and carbon.

Sherburn currently monitors the EMS/Fire and Public Works Departments' fuel usage and costs. There is monthly maintenance scheduled on all City vehicles. On March 2, 2015, we passed Resolution 2015-5: Adopting a "no idling" policy for all City employees and vehicles, in order to reduce emissions and fuel costs.

All City vehicle fuel consumption and associated costs is monitored and tracked in a spreadsheet shared with all City staff. Vehicle mileage is also tracked weekly, ensuring oil changes are kept up to date. All vehicle repairs are also tracked in this same spreadsheet. All of this information is shared with the fleet manager, and users of the vehicles.