Make no/low cost indoor lighting and operational changes in city-owned/school buildings to reduce energy costs.
- Action 2:City Detail
Background Information
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: 58Buildings and Lighting
Efficient Existing Public Buildings {BP no.1}
The City of Mankato also participates in the MN Energy Challenge, through the MN Center for Energy & Environment. 110 staff members from the organization participate.
Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Implement IT efforts and city employee engagement to reduce plug loads, building energy use and workflow efficiency.
- Action 4:In 2012, the City adopted a policy which limits personal appliances within offices and workspaces as part of a remodeling project of the City Intergovernmental Center. Updated meeting rooms utilize sensors to provide overhead energy-efficient LED lighting only while movement is detected within meeting spaces.
Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
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.
- Action 5:The Rosa Parks Elementary School was certified LEED Gold in January 2012. It was the second LEED-certified building in south-central Minnesota. Opened in fall of 2010, the sustainable features of the facility include a ground source heat pump system for heating and cooling the school, occupancy sensors for lighting, regional and recycled material use, water-saving fixtures and landscape and many indoor air quality strategies.
Completed in fall of 2012 and awarded LEED Gold status in 2013, Mankato's Public Safety Center has been remodeled for the future and is the most significant investment in a city of Mankato public safety facility within the last 40 years. It has been converted to bring police and fire staff together for the first time ever in one facility. The city is better positioned for optimal response times, particularly to West Mankato, the hilltop area and neighborhoods to the west, south and north of the university. Building updates have been made to last well into the future. As a remodeled, re-used building, major upgrades include:
• Energy efficient--since the Public Safety Center is more than 40 percent efficient compared to a typically designed building since it uses less energy, saves costs and benefits the environment;
• Location--the Public Safety Center is well-placed in a downtown location surrounded by services and transportation options, providing bike racks and reserving preferred parking for hybrid vehicles and carpools;
• Materials and resources--the Public Safety Center is a reused building that uses reclaimed and recycled materials for sustainability;
• Air quality--air ventilation and filtration and a heating and cooling system provide efficient and cost-effective maintenance of building temperatures
* A passive solar array integrated on roof of the building to reduce energy use and costs.
The Rosa Parks Elementary School project received LEED Gold Certification in January 2012.
The Mankato Public Safety Center received LEED Gold Certification on April 26th, 2013.
Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Install for one or more city-owned/school buildings one of the following efficiency measures:
- Action 7:Additionally, the Orness Plaza Apartment Complex, owned and operated by the Mankato Housing and Redevelopment Authority, received grant funding to assist with its rehabilitation. The 1970s era building has been revitalized with a geothermal heating system and central air conditioning, among other improvements, and has been granted LEED certification. Reserved parking stalls for designated fuel efficient and hybrid vehicles have also been included as part of the rehabilitation program.
A passive solar array was integrated into the roof of the recently-renovated Public Safety Center building in late 2013.
Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Efficient Existing Private Buildings {BP no.2}
Create or participate in a marketing/outreach/incentive program to promote/achieve residential energy/water use reduction and energy efficiency.
- Action 1:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Conserve/protect drinking/groundwater resources by creating a water-wise landscaping ordinance/guidance, WaterSense purchasing program, or guidance on rainwater harvesting and home water softener use.
- Action 5:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
New Green Buildings {BP no.3}
Require by city policy that new city-owned buildings be built using the SB 2030 energy standard and/or a green building framework.
- Action 1:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Work with the local school district to ensure that future new schools are built using the SB 2030 energy standard and/or a green building framework.
- Action 2:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals {BP no.4}
Purchase LEDs for all future street lighting and traffic signals.
- Action 2:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Coordinate traffic signals and/or optimize signal timing to minimize car idling at intersections yet maintain safe and publicly acceptable vehicle speeds.
- Action 4:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Use LED/solar-powered lighting for a flashing sign or in a street, parking lot or park project.
- Action 5:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Replace the city's existing traffic signal indications with LEDs.
- Action 8:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Building Redevelopment {BP no.5}
Adopt an historic preservation ordinance/regulations and encourage adaptive reuse.
- Action 1:The City of mankato is recognized by the MN State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) as a Certified Local Government; list of CLG's available at http://www.mnhs.org/localhistory/mho/heritage.html
Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Implement the Minnesota Main Street model for commercial revitalization.
- Action 2:Create/modify a green residential remodeling assistance/financing program to assist homeowners in adding space or features such as EV charging, renewables to their existing homes.
- Action 4:Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program
Provides up to $20,000 in deferred, forgivable loans to low to moderate income households within the city’s targeted neighborhoods. Eligible improvements include many items that provide for greater energy efficiency, including new windows, siding, roofs and furnaces.
Rental Rehabilitation Program
Provides up to $12,000 per unit in deferred, forgivable loans to property owners that rent to low to moderate income households. Eligible improvements include many items that provide for greater energy efficiency, including new windows, siding, roofs and furnaces.
Commercial Rehabilitation Program
Provides up to $25,000 in deferred, forgivable loans to commercial properties within the city’s targeted area. Eligible improvements include many items that provide for greater energy efficiency, including new windows, siding and roofs.
City Center Renaissance Revolving Loan Fund
Provides up to $200,000 in low interest loans to property owners within the City Center. Eligible improvements include many items that provide for greater energy efficiency, including new siding, windows, roofs and HVAC systems.
Economic Development Authority Revolving Loan Fund
Provides up to $300,000 in low interest loans to industrial property owners in the city. Eligible improvements include many items that provide for greater energy efficiency, including new siding, windows, roofs and HVAC systems.
On projects which may impact exterior elements (roof/siding/windows), economic development staff will coordinate review of project with City Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) and State Historic Preservation Office to ensure proper historical elements are not impacted and that updated components maintain proper historic context of the time period. Outreach of program included presentation and mailings through applicable established neighborhood associations.
Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Adopt development/design standards and programs that facilitate infill, redevelopment, and adaptable buildings.
- Action 5:Additionally, the City maintains Orderly Annexation Agreements with all three abutting townships (Mankato, Lime, and South Bend) which limits or prohibits new urban development to allow for planned, controlled provision of services, utilities, and amenities to these area as they are eventually annexed into the City of Mankato. The agreements were initially drafted in 1995 and were amended and extended by mutual partnership of the City and township staff in 2012/2013. Example agreement with Lime Township (north of City of Mankato) attached.
Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Land Use
Comprehensive, Climate and Energy Plans {BP no.6}
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.
- Action 1:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Demonstrate that regulatory ordinances comply with the comprehensive plan including but not limited to having the zoning ordinance explicitly reference the comprehensive plan as the foundational document for decision making.
- Action 2:10.90a : PART X. ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT.
5.000 Planning Agency.
The Planning Agency shall have the following responsibilities:
D. Review, hold public hearings, and prepare recommendations on any proposed change to the City's comprehensive planning policies and plans, including this Chapter.
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10.92 : Conditional Use Permits.
5.000 Standards.
The Planning Agency shall only recommend the granting of the Conditional Use Permit, granting the Conditional Use Permit subject to conditions, or denying the conditional use based on written findings of fact with regard to each of the standards set forth below and, where applicable, any special standards for specific uses set forth in the provisions of a specific zoning district.
B. It is in keeping with the comprehensive planning policies of the City and this Chapter as amended from time to time.
10.98 : Amendments.
5.000 Standards for Amendments.
In making their determination, the City Council shall consider the following:
A. Whether the proposed amendment is consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, as adopted and amended from time to time by the City Council.
Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Resilient City Growth {BP no.7}
Eliminate barriers and actively encourage higher density housing by including in the city zoning ordinance and zoning map:
- Action 1:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Achieve higher density housing through at least two of the following strategies:
- Action 2:We also utilize the Planned Unit Development process. A planned unit development is intended to encourage the efficient use of land and resources, to promote greater efficiency in public and utility services, and to encourage innovation in the planning and building of all types of development. A planned unit development may be approved by the City Council following a review and recommendation by the Planning Agency.
See Mankato City Code for more information - http://www.mankato-mn.gov/CityCode/Section-10.93.aspx
Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Mixed Uses {BP no.8}
Organize or participate in a community planning/placemaking/design process for the city/a mixed-use district, including specific community engagement practices that engage cultural and income diverse community members.
- Action 1:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Have a downtown zoning district that emphasizes small and destination business, entrepreneurial spaces, and allows or requires residential and residential-compatible commercial development.
- Action 5:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Efficient Highway- and Auto-Oriented Development {BP no.9}
Establish design goals for at least one highway/auto-oriented corridor/cluster.
- Action 1:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Design for Natural Resource Conservation {BP no.10}
For cities within metropolitan areas, incorporate woodland best management practices addressing protection of wooded areas into zoning or development review.
- Action 3:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Transportation
Living & Complete Streets {BP no.11}
Adopt a complete streets policy, or a living streets policy, which addresses landscaping and stormwater.
- Action 1:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Identify and remedy street-trail gaps between city streets and off-road trails/bike trails to better facilitate walking and biking.
- Action 5:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Implement traffic calming policy/measures, including lane conversions (road diets), roundabouts, low-speed streets, shared space and depaving, in at least one street redevelopment project.
- Action 6:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Mobility Options {BP no.12}
Increase walking, biking and transit use by one or more of the following means:
- Action 1:The City of Mankato requires provision of bicycle parking for all new non-residential uses, and multiple-family residential uses. Provision of additional bicyle parking may allow developers to reduce required number of automobile parking stalls accordingly. See http://www.mankato-mn.gov/CityCode/Section-10.85.aspx (scroll to Section 19 F).
The City created and distributes a Trails Map which outlines the best bike and pedestrian routes. Creation and distribution is partnered with other area organizations.
Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Prominently promote mobility options: public transit; paratransit/Dial-A-Ride; cab services; rental cars; bike lanes; trails; airports.
- Action 3:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Efficient City Fleets {BP no.13}
Right-size/down-size the city fleet with the most fuel-efficient vehicles that are of an optimal size and capacity for their intended functions.
- Action 2:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Phase-in operational changes, equipment changes including electric vehicles, and no-idling practices for city or local transit fleets.
- Action 3: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.
Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Phase in bike, e-bike, foot or horseback modes for police, inspectors and other city staff.
- Action 4:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Environmental Management
Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}
Certify as a Tree City USA.
- Action 1:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Adopt a tree preservation or native landscaping ordinance.
- Action 5:The City also requires provision of perimeter landscaping for upon new development, and redevelopment of properties. Requirements call for planting of shade (deciduous) trees every 50 feet along frontage and parking lot perimeter, and planting of evergreen (coniferous) trees every 25 lineal feet. Credit is given for preservation of existing trees when feasible. See Mankato City Code, Section 10.88.
Mankato has been granted "Tree City USA" status.
Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Build community capacity to protect existing trees by one or more of:
- Action 6:The Natural Resources Specialist has designed and written an Emerald Ash Borer Preparedness Plan, which is in the review process but not yet formally adopted.
City staff monitors USDA Hardiness Zones to ensure Mankato has not been classified as a warmer climate zone. Once official records reflect Mankato as a warmer climate zone, the City will actively begin planting tree species which are only hardy to zone 5.
The City also looks for new tree species on annual basis which can be tried and evaluated in the Mankato area.
Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Stormwater Management {BP no.17}
Complete the GreenStep Municipal Stormwater Management Assessment.
- Action 2:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Create a stormwater utility that uses variable fees to incentivize stormwater infiltration, minimize the volume of and pollutants in runoff, and educate property owners and renters on the importance of managing stormwater runoff.
- Action 4:The City of Mankato storm water drainage utility was established 7-12-2004 and is operated as a public utility pursuant to the City Charter, City Code and applicable statutes. The revenues therefrom are derived subject to provisions of this section and Chapter 444, Minnesota Statutes. The storm water drainage utility is part of the Public Works Department and is administered by the City Engineer.
Storm Water Utility:
Cost of service $3/month
Commercial units, for each 1,000 square feet over 10,000 square feet $ .75/month
We are currently working on a study of our stormwater utility fee to see if it is sufficent and determine more effective ways to utilize this fee while using the data from the study to educate our staff, council and citizens about Mankato's Storwater needs.
Rick Baird (City Staff) | rbaird@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8543
Parks and Trails {BP no.18}
Make improvements within your city's system of parks, offroad trails and open spaces.
- Action 1:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Plan and budget for a network of parks, green spaces, water features and trails for areas where new development is planned.
- Action 2:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Achieve minimum levels of city green space and maximize the percent within a ten-minute walk of community members.
- Action 3:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Create park/city land management standards/practices that maximize at least one of the following:
- Action 5:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Develop a program to involve community members in hands-on land restoration, invasive species management and stewardship projects.
- Action 8:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Surface Water {BP no.19}
Conduct or support multi-party community conversations, assessments, plans and actions around improving local water quality and quantity.
- Action 2:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Implement an existing TMDL implementation plan.
- Action 6:Rick Baird (City Staff) | rbaird@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8543
Efficient Water and Wastewater Systems {BP no.20}
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.
- Action 2:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Establish an on-going budget and program for decreasing inflow and infiltration into sewer lines and losses in drinking water systems.
- Action 3:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
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).
- Action 6:The city's water reclamation facility continues to provide advanced wastewater treatment, similar to a drinking water plant.
Organic byproducts of the wastewater treatment process are made available to area farmers for use as fertilizer. The City maintains certification with the National Biosolids Partnership for effective and efficient handling of biosolids in this land application program.
A new station was built in 2011 that includes a fill station where trucks can fill their tanks with City reclaimed water from the wastewater treatment lant. City employees use this water for street sweeping, sod establishment, and pipe testing, and the City is also planning to sell this water to those who have purchased drinking water in the past for such purposes.
Between 1.5 and 2 million gallons of treated wastewater is being used by the Mankato Energy Center for cooling, which saves the city nearly 700 million gallons of water annually and has significantly reduced phosphorous levels.
The City used 1.2 million gallons of reclaimed Title 22 water in 2011 to irrigate the new Riverfront Park.
Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Sustainable Consumption and Waste {BP no.22}
Arrange for a residential and/or business/institutional source-separated organics collection/management program.
- Action 5:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Resilient Economic and Community Development
Benchmarks and Community Engagement {BP no.24}
Communicating Progress on Goals: Organize goals/outcome measures from all city plans (social, environmental, economic) and report to community members data that show progress toward meeting these goals.
- Action 2:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Measuring Outcomes: Engage community members and partners in identifying, measuring, and reporting progress on key sustainability and social indicators/ including energy use/greenhouse gas emissions, social vitality/social inclusion outcome measures.
- Action 3:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Public Education for Action: Conduct or support a broad sustainability education and action campaign, building on existing community relationships, networks & events involving:
- Action 4:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Green Business Development {BP no.25}
Grow new/emerging green businesses and green jobs through targeted assistance and new workforce development.
- Action 1:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Create or participate in a marketing/outreach program to connect businesses with assistance providers, including utilities, who provide personalized energy, waste or sustainability audits and assistance.
- Action 2:Lower the environmental and health risk footprint of a brownfield remediation/redevelopment project beyond regulatory requirements; report brightfield projects.
- Action 5:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Renewable Energy {BP no.26}
Promote financing and incentive programs, such as PACE, for clean energy:
- Action 3:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Report installed private sector-owned renewable energy/energy efficient generation capacity with at least one of the following attributes:
- Action 6:Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Local Food {BP no.27}
Facilitate creation of home/community gardens, chicken & bee keeping, and incorporation of food growing areas/access in multifamily and residential developments.
- Action 2:Atemporary ordinance amending section 9.61 of the Mankato City Code regarding the keeping and control of animals within the city limits (maintaining a chicken coop and/or chicken run) was adopted on June 14, 2010 with a two year sunset. In July 2012, the ordinance expired.
Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Create, assist with and promote local food production/distribution within the city:
- Action 3:The City has worked previously with the School Sisters of Notre Dame in creating informational handouts and checklists for communtiy garden proposals. The School Sisters of Notre Dame own and operate a successful and highly-regarded community garden within the City.
The City accepts proposals for community gardens via the enclosed checklist.
Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571