City Detail

Background Information

City of Barnum
County: Carlton
Population: 613
GreenStep City category: C
Full-time equivalent city staff (approx.): 3
Participating township, county, school: Barnum Secondary

GreenStep Coordinator

Brett Collier
City Staff
218-389-6814
City web page relating to sustainability/GreenStep activities:
GreenStep City resolution: Click here to view the file.
GreenStep City status and date: STEP 1 ( )

City Assessment Files and City Performance Metrics

City councils pass a resolution to join the GreenStep program and are recognized at Step 1. Step 2 and Step 3 recognition levels reflect completed city actions, reported and rated below with stars (1 star = good, 2 stars = better, 3 stars = best). The Assessment File below summarizes completed city actions in a short Word file. Step 4 recognition is awarded to cities who report a minimum number of core metrics for the previous calendar year. These metrics aim to show the aggregate, quantitative results of taking multiple GreenStep actions. Step 5 cities show improvement in the Step 4 metrics. See yearly data for Steps 4&5. Additional city data can be found by reviewing information on B3 Benchmarking and Regional Indicators Initiative.

Assessment File

Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed

Completed actions are denoted by stars.

Total completed actions: 4
1 star actions: 2
2 star actions: 2

Buildings and Lighting Buildings and Lighting

Building Redevelopment {BP no.5}

2 star - Action 3:

Plan for reuse of large-format retail buildings, or work with a local school, church or commercial building to either add-on space or repurpose space into new uses.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Completed in 2015, the City Hall moved its location to the abandoned Northview Bank building in downtown. Instead of rebuilding, this city chose to reuse the existing structure because of the high index of abandoned space in the downtown area.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Brett Collier (City staff) | bcollier@scicable.com | 218-389-6814

Land Use Land Use

Comprehensive, Climate and Energy Plans {BP no.6}

2 star - Action 1:

Adopt a comprehensive plan or (for Category B & C cities) adopt a future land use plan that was adopted by the county or a regional entity.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In 2008, the City of Barnum adopted a comprehensive planned land use. Created a zoning map of the city and require updated information every 10 years. The comprehensive plan is due for an update within the next 2 years.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Brett Collier (City staff) | bcollier@scicable.com | 218-389-6814

Environmental Management Environmental Management

Surface Water {BP no.19}

1 star - Action 3:

Adopt and publicly report on measurable surface water improvement targets for lake, river, wetland and ditches.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In the Summer of 2016, the city of Barnum will undergo treatment for Eurasian Milfoil in Bear Lake to improve water quality, the city operated campground located on the lake, as well as the public access boat landing.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Brett Collier (City staff) | bcollier@scicable.com | 218-389-6814

Efficient Water and Wastewater Systems {BP no.20}

1 star - Action 2:

Plan and budget for motor maintenance and upgrades to assure the most energy efficient, durable and appropriate equipment is available when upgrades or breakdowns occur.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In 2012, after facing a devastating flood, the City chose to update wastewater facilities by installing a new lift station utilizing variable frequency drive technology. This update created a more efficient system being cost effective and energy saving while moving the same amount of volume.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: