City Detail

Background Information

City of Hallock
County: Kittson
Population: 981
GreenStep City category: B
Full-time equivalent city staff (approx.): 6
Participating township, county, school:

GreenStep Coordinator

Angela Grafstrom
City Staff
218-843-2737
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: 5
1 star actions: 3
2 star actions: 2

Buildings and Lighting Buildings and Lighting

Efficient Existing Public Buildings {BP no.1}

2 star - Action 2:

Make no/low cost indoor lighting and operational changes in city-owned/school buildings to reduce energy costs.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
Upgraded city hall and city shop to LED Lighting.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Reported electrical usage on B3Benchmarking database.
Descriptive File:
Used an electrical contractor for the install
For more information contact:
Angela Grafstrom (City staff) | agrafstrom@hallockmn.org | 218-843-2737

Land Use Land Use

Design for Natural Resource Conservation {BP no.10}

1 star - Action 7:

Support and protect wildlife through habitat rehabilitation, preservation and recognition programs.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
The city is replacing the existing dam with a spillway.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The spillway will restore and enhance fish passage and habitat. In addition it will reduce erosion and sedimentation and support expansion of water-based activities.
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Angela Grafstrom (City staff) | agrafstrom@hallockmn.org | 218-843-2737

Environmental Management Environmental Management

Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}

1 star - Action 4:

Maximize tree planting along your main downtown street or throughout the city.

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
The city planted trees along Main Street.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The trees enhance the beauty of our downtown district and help to regulate temperatures by shading paved areas to reduce heat. They also reduce the city's carbon footprint by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. Beautifying our city's downtown will attract tourism and new businesses by making the downtown area more attractive to visitors.
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Angela Grafstrom (City staff) | agrafstrom@hallockmn.org | 218-843-2737

Parks and Trails {BP no.18}

1 star - Action 5:

Create park/city land management standards/practices that maximize at least one of the following:

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
Planted a Pollinator garden.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The pollinator garden helps us to provide a pollen source for bees and other pollinators which are essential to our ecosystem. In addition, they create an oasis where community members can enjoy the outdoors. As the garden is made of primarily native species, so once it is established the garden will thrive on its own and not require additional watering. We involved community groups and the 4H in planting the garden and UMC students to design the garden, and 3 others, for us.
Descriptive File:
Hallock Main Stree Committee, the 4H club, community members, UMC
For more information contact:
Angela Grafstrom (City staff) | agrafstrom@hallockmn.org | 218-843-2737

Resilient Economic & Community Development Resilient Economic and Community Development

Local Food {BP no.27}

2 star - Action 3:

Create, assist with and promote local food production/distribution within the city:

Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
The city hosts a local farmer's market during the summer and fall months. In addition, the city has a small orchard with plum and apple trees available for the public to pick and use.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The farmer's market and the orchard provide residents with access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Local people selling their produce stimulates the local economy. A couple of local women pick the fruit and make home canned preserves to share with residents as well.
Descriptive File:
Participants in the farmer's market and the women who make the preserves
For more information contact:
Angela Grafstrom (City staff) | agrafstrom@hallockmn.org | 218-843-2737