City Detail

Background Information

City of Hermantown
County: St. Louis
Population: 9625
GreenStep City category: B
Full-time equivalent city staff (approx.): 30
Participating township, county, school:

GreenStep Coordinator

Eric Johnson
City Staff
eric.johnson@hermantownmn.com
218-729-3618
City web page relating to sustainability/GreenStep activities:
http://www.hermantownmn.com/
GreenStep City resolution: Click here to view the file.
GreenStep City status and date: STEP 2 ( )

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
2019 - click to view assessment

Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed

Completed actions are denoted by stars.

Total completed actions: 12
1 star actions: 5
2 star actions: 5
3 star actions: 1

Buildings and Lighting Buildings and Lighting

Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals {BP no.4}

1 star - Action 5:

Use LED/solar-powered lighting for a flashing sign or in a street, parking lot or park project.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
City of Hermantown Police installed this, and three other identical, sign on each road leading to the school. The intent was to create a safer environment in a place that has a high concentration of children and traffic.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
There are now signs running independently to create more aware drivers and protect area youth.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Adam Fulton (City staff) | afulton@hermantownmn.com | 218-729-3618

Building Redevelopment {BP no.5}

1 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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Currently, the Hermantown School District is transitioning out of their middle school building, into a new building located next to the high school. This leaves the middle school empty. Much of the building is outdated and unusable, but portions are newer, or in better condition, and good candidates for reuse. So, one wing of the building and the current gym will be reused with a new project to bring the pieces together to form an Arrowhead Regional Health and Wellness Center. Funding will come from county, city, state, as well as the YMCA.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Adam Fulton (City staff) | afulton@hermantownmn.com | 218-729-3618

Land Use Land Use

Mixed Uses {BP no.8}

2 star - Action 5:

Have a downtown zoning district that emphasizes small and destination business, entrepreneurial spaces, and allows or requires residential and residential-compatible commercial development.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The Hermantown Marketplace is a zone meant to provide an identifiable commercial district, that incorporates aspects of mixed use. This includes everything from multiple family dwellings to light industrial uses.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Adam Fulton (City staff) | afulton@hermantownmn.com | 218-729-3618

Transportation Transportation

Mobility Options {BP no.12}

3 star - Action 1:

Increase walking, biking and transit use by one or more of the following means:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Near the City of Hermantown runs the Williard Munger State Trail. It runs a total of 70 miles between the cities of Duluth and Hinkley. Hermantown seeks to expand its trail system via a connector to the Williard Munger Trail. A preferred route has been chosen that includes the school, many of the more concentrated residential areas, as well as the Hermantown Marketplace Zone.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://www.hermantownmn.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={67348506-81E0-4395-B228-E655DA8DCAF4}&DE={1863F4AD-102E-47ED-800E-4C0025191297}
For more information contact:
Adam Fulton (City staff) | afulton@hermantownmn.com | 218-729-3618

Environmental Management Environmental Management

Sustainable Purchasing {BP no.15}

1 star - Action 2:

Purchase energy used by city government - via the municipal utility, green tags, community solar garden, 3rd party - with a higher renewable percentage than required by Minnesota law.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Hermantown currently purchases its electricity from Minnesota Power who generates 20% of their power from renewable sources. Primary sources include wind, hydro and, some biomass, with plans to grow its presence in the renewable sector in the future.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Carbon emissions from electric use by the City of Hermantown are diminished by 20%, and continue to grow
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://www.mnpower.com/Environment/Wind
For more information contact:
Adam Fulton (City staff) | afulton@hermantownmn.com | 218-729-3618

Stormwater Management {BP no.17}

Not rated - Action 6:

Improve smart-salting by reducing chloride use in winter maintenance and dust suppressants to prevent permanent surfacewater and groundwater pollution.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
City has existing and enforced Erosion and Sediment Control for Land Disturbance Activities ordnance (section 1060, Housing and Buildings code). Erosion and Sediment control plans are necessary for projects of certain specifications.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Soils throughout the city are more stable and resilient. Property vales, wetlands, and water resources are protected.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Adam Fulton (City staff) | afulton@hermantownmn.com | 218-729-3618

Surface Water {BP no.19}

1 star - Action 4:

Adopt a shoreland ordinance for all river and lake shoreland areas.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Adopted Shoreland Ordinance, found in Zoning Code Chapter 5 Section 555, that coincides with state-wide standards.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Aims to protect public waters and shorelands found within the City of Hermantown.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Adam Fulton (City staff) | afulton@hermantownmn.com | 218-729-3618

Septic Systems {BP no.21}

1 star - Action 4:

Adopt a subsurface sewage treatment system ordinance based on the Association of Minnesota Counties' model ordinance.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Hermantown seeks to require the use of sewers within its limits, whether it be public, building, or private. Policies, procedures, and ordinances are to be consistent with WLSSD policies.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Adam Fulton (City staff) | afulton@hermantownmn.com | 218-729-3618

Resilient Economic & Community Development Resilient Economic and Community Development

Green Business Development {BP no.25}

2 star - Action 5:

Lower the environmental and health risk footprint of a brownfield remediation/redevelopment project beyond regulatory requirements; report brightfield projects.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
A Holiday Inn Express is to be built on the lot of a closed car dealership. The 2.9 acres, or 109,805 sq. ft., area is currently 100% impervious. Following completion of the Holiday Inn project, the area will 87,845 sq. ft. impervious. Resulting in a nearly 20% reduction of impervious area as well as the establishment of 25 permanent jobs. On an adjacent lot, also currently 100% impervious, a St. Louis Clinic will be built. The redevelopment will lower impervious areas and provide permanent jobs.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Adam Fulton (City staff) | afulton@hermantownmn.com | 218-729-3618

Renewable Energy {BP no.26}

2 star - Action 1:

Adopt wind energy and/or biomass ordinances that allow, enable, or encourage appropriate renewable energy installations.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Hemantown aims invite the use of renewable and alternative energy sources through safe, effective, and efficient uses through a streamlined permitting process. A variety of renewable resources are to be permitted in the city to reduce fossil fuel dependence.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Adam Fulton (City staff) | afulton@hermantownmn.com | 218-729-3618

Local Food {BP no.27}

2 star - Action 2:

Facilitate creation of home/community gardens, chicken & bee keeping, and incorporation of food growing areas/access in multifamily and residential developments.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Hermantown intends to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community while allowing for responsible small scale agricultural activities. Agriculture, particularly subsistence farming, is a part of the communities heritage and is viewed as a valuable community resource going forward.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Adam Fulton (City staff) | afulton@hermantownmn.com | 218-729-3618
2 star - Action 3:

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

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In order to promote agriculture in the City of Hermantown, a farmer's market is set to begin operation near the old city hall in the summer of 2015. Hermantown has a large rural region within its boundaries that has the ability to support agricultural activities. The farmer's market will offer a location for these citizens to sell their product, while encouraging healthy and sustainable dietary options for other citizens.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Adam Fulton (City staff) | afulton@hermantownmn.com | 218-729-3618