City Detail

Background Information

City of Hoffman
County: Grant
Population: 680
GreenStep City category: C
Full-time equivalent city staff (approx.): 3
Participating township, county, school:

GreenStep Coordinator

Dianne Johnson
City Staff
heda@runestone.net
320-986-2448
City web page relating to sustainability/GreenStep activities:
http://www.hoffmanmn.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: 18
1 star actions: 11
2 star actions: 6
3 star actions: 1

Buildings and Lighting Buildings and Lighting

Efficient Existing Public Buildings {BP no.1}

1 star - Action 1:

Enter/update building information into the MN B3 Benchmarking database, and routinely enter monthly usage data for all city-owned buildings/infrastructure that consume energy/water.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
Data has been entered up to January 2013.
Data has now been entered up through 2016.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Patricia Lawson (City staff) | hoffmn@runestone.net | 320-986-2448
1 star - Action 2:

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

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2015
Implementation details:
RETAP conducted an energy audit of city buildings in October 2009. For information on energy efficiency improvements implemented, see details in action 3. New air conditioning and heating unit in the community center with an automatic thermostat. Weather stripping has been done and checked annually.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Dianne Johnson (City staff) | heda@runestone.net | 320-986-2448
2 star - Action 3:

Invest in larger energy efficiency projects through performance contracting or other funding or through smaller retro-commissioning/retrofit projects in city-owned/school buildings.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
After the Retap audit we received a grant from the Department of Energy for new doors and lighting for the Hoffman Square building. It was completed by September 2010. We completed new lighting in the Hoffman gym. We also completely gutted 2 buildings and renovated them with energy saving insulation, lighting, etc. We now have healthcare providers there so residents do not have to drive out of town.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Dianne Johnson (City staff) | heda@runestone.net | 320-986-2448
1 star - Action 4:

Implement IT efforts and city employee engagement to reduce plug loads, building energy use and workflow efficiency.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Ottertail Power provided rebates for new lighting in the gym, the Ralph Bjelland Memorial Building and the Community Center. All lights and computers are made sure to be turned off at the end of the day.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
1 star - Action 5:

Document that the new construction or major remodeling of a public building has met the SB 2030 energy standard or has met or qualified under a green building or energy framework.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Remodeled grocery store has met all of the
energy efficient construction.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Hoffman Building Systems, Ottertail Power
For more information contact:
Dianne Johnson (City staff) | heda@runestone.net | 320-986-2448

Building Redevelopment {BP no.5}

1 star - Action 2:

Implement the Minnesota Main Street model for commercial revitalization.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Two old unusable buildings are being torn down with a USDA grant and a new building will be put in its place that will be energy efficient.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
USDA, City of Hoffman, Local businesses
For more information contact:
Dianne Johnson (City staff) | heda@runestone.net | 320-986-2448
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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 1995
Implementation details:
With consolidation of schools our school building was closed and now refurbished to include a community gym, 8 apartments, and a Senior Center. Currently the new pitched metal is being completed and the gym ceiling is getting new metal as soon as the roof is completed. These projects will be completed by the fall of 2017.
One of our old buildings on Main Street is in the process of refurbishing it into a beauty salon and massage studio.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
USDA, Grant County Commissioners, Hoffman Lions, West Central Initiative
For more information contact:
Dianne Johnson (City staff) | heda@runestone.net | 320-986-2448

Land Use Land Use

Resilient City Growth {BP no.7}

2 star - Action 4:

Provide incentives for affordable housing, workforce housing, infill projects, or for life-cycle housing at or near job or retail centers, or for achieving an average net residential density of seven units per acre.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Hoffman sold lots on 8th street for $1.00 and took off all the assessments to encourage Hoffman residents to build. The Hoffman Economic Development Authority changed their covenants to let town houses be built on 8th Street.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Patricia Lawson (City staff) | hoffmn@runestone.net | 320-986-2448

Mixed Uses {BP no.8}

1 star - Action 2:

Locate or lease a property for use as a school, city building or other government facility that has at least two of these attributes:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The Hoffman Square (John Kleinsasser Gym)is open all winter months from 8 to 5 for walking and it is adjacent to the senior citizen hall.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Dianne Johnson (City staff) | heda@runestone.net | 320-986-2448

Transportation Transportation

Mobility Options {BP no.12}

2 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: 2015
Implementation details:
Process of obtaining a bike rack for
downtown Hoffman. This action has been completed in 2015. Also added an additional rack at the beginning of the newly established bike path in 2017.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Hoffman Lions, Grant County
For more information contact:
Dianne Johnson (City staff) | heda@runestone.net | 320-986-2448

Environmental Management Environmental Management

Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}

2 star - Action 4:

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

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The Local Lions Club, ordered 672 trees (one for each resident) and gave to each resident to plant. These were paid for by the Hoffman Lions Club.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:

Parks and Trails {BP no.18}

1 star - Action 1:

Make improvements within your city's system of parks, offroad trails and open spaces.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
Have approval for a bike path from the
City of Hoffman to Elk Lake, approximately 3/4
mile. It is an off-road bike path. Paths were put in the city park to make it accessible to the elderly and the handicapped. The trail was approved and completed in 2016. It is a tarred path running alongside the road right of way.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
DNR, Grant County Commissioners, Hoffman Lions, Grant County Engineer
For more information contact:
Patricia Lawson (City staff) | hoffmn@runestone.net | 320-986-2448
1 star - Action 8:

Develop a program to involve community members in hands-on land restoration, invasive species management and stewardship projects.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Cleanup at Elk Lake beach and campground. The local HEDA board and Hoffman Lions Club are collaborating to come up with a projects list that would be used on a priority basis to improve this community.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Hoffman Lions, Hoffman Ag and Commerce, City of Hoffman, Boy Scouts
For more information contact:
Dianne Johnson (City staff) | heda@runestone.net | 320-986-2448

Efficient Water and Wastewater Systems {BP no.20}

1 star - Action 6:

Implement a wastewater plant efficiency project (co-generation, water reuse) or a program for local private business operations (water conservation, water reuse, business co-location).

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
City Maintenance is working at cleaning up the sewer ponds with the help of the MPCA. Bugs have been placed in the ponds to help with algae and sludge.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Minnesota Pollution Control, Department of Health
For more information contact:
Dianne Johnson (City staff) | heda@runestone.net | 320-986-2448

Sustainable Consumption and Waste {BP no.22}

1 star - Action 6:

Improve recycling services and expand to multi-unit housing and commercial businesses.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Recycling is done in our community. The city has two locations for residents to take items to be recycled and it then it is taken to the local recycling plant which is in Hoffman and run by the local DAC.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Patricia Lawson (City staff) | hoffmn@runestone.net | 320-986-2448

Resilient Economic & Community Development Resilient Economic and Community Development

Green Business Development {BP no.25}

3 star - Action 7:

Conduct or participate in a buy local campaign for community members and local businesses.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2015
Implementation details:
The Hoffman website has a list of the local and area businesses including businesses that are locally owned. The City works hand in hand with the Hoffman Commerce and Agriculture organization in promoting all these businesses through Shop dates, Holiday Expos, and Street sales. Our city works with the local businesses by promoting them by giving away Hoffman Bucks in drawings or events.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
hoffmanmn.com
Hoffman Commerce and Agriculture Organization,
For more information contact:
Dianne Johnson (City staff) | heda@runestone.net | 320-986-2448

Local Food {BP no.27}

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:
The Community Garden, completed two years ago, has four raised gardens and 16 regular gardens. It was supported by the Horizons Program and the City. Foods were raised and sold at the Farmer's Market . The Local Lions Club has approved building 4 more raised gardens due to our aging population.

Our Farmer's Market, established four years ago, begins June 1st with approximately 20 vendors and 200 customers attending. This is help in the local city park and the city has been supportive of this activity. New playground equipment was purchased for the youth. Every Wednesday it is full of children playing This is a community event and has molded the community together.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Hoffman Lions, Horizons Group, Messiah Church
For more information contact:
Dianne Johnson (City staff) | heda@runestone.net | 320-986-2448

Business Synergies and EcoDistricts {BP no.28}

1 star - Action 3:

Require, build or facilitate at least four sustainability attributes in a business/industrial park project:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Renovation of the local grocery store to
include energy efficient lighting, insulation
and building restructuring. This grocery store inlcudes a restaurant, bakery, laundromat, and event room. All of these have been furnished with energy saving equipment.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Hoffman Building Systems, Ottertail Power
For more information contact:
Patricia Lawson (City staff) | hoffmn@runestone.net | 320-986-2448