Enter/update government-owned building information and monthly usage data into the MN B3 Benchmarking database, and utilize building/energy audits to identify potential improvements.
- Action 1: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
Metrics Files
Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed
Completed actions are denoted by stars.
Total completed actions: 55Buildings and Lighting
Efficient Existing Public Buildings {BP no.1}
Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Make no/low cost indoor lighting and operational changes in city-owned/school buildings to reduce energy costs.
- Action 2:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Invest in larger energy efficiency projects through performance contracting or other funding or through smaller retro-commissioning/retrofit projects in city-owned/school buildings.
- Action 3:a. Boiler replacement: The aging boiler system was removed and replaced with 2 Hydrotherm KN-series cast iron high-efficiency boilers rated at 600 MBH input - rated 99% efficient with an expected yearly energy cost savings of $1,900;
b. Condensing unit replacement: The 20-year old condensing unit was replaced with a Carrier 40T unit with an eer rating of 11.5, R410a and VFD installation. The expected yearly energy cost savings is $5,600 over the current equipment;
c. Rooftop unit replacement: The 25 year old low-efficiency rooftop unit was replaced with a Carrier 20 ton capacity unit with an 11.5 eer rating.
The project received $13,900 in rebates from Xcel Energy for installing energy efficient technology.
Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Implement IT efforts and city employee engagement to reduce plug loads, building energy use and workflow efficiency.
- Action 4:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Install for one or more city-owned/school buildings one of the following efficiency measures:
- Action 7:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
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:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Describe energy/water efficiency outcomes and other green building practices at businesses and not-for-profit organizations located within/nearby the city.
- Action 4:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
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:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Provide a financial or other incentive to private parties who add energy/sustainability improvements, meet the SB 2030 energy standard, or renovate using a green building or energy framework.
- Action 6:Efficient, Carbon Reducing buildings. Any new or majorly renovated building will enjoy expedited plan review and a 15% reduction in building permit fees immediately with the application approval from the Inspection department. Any LEED Certified buildings will receive 20%-25% off building permit fees, depending on the certification.
Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
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:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Provide a financial or other incentive to private parties who build new buildings that utilize the SB 2030 energy standard and/or a green building framework.
- Action 4:Efficient, Carbon Reducing buildings. Any new or majorly renovated building will enjoy expedited plan review and a 15% reduction in building permit fees immediately with the application approval from the Inspection department. Any LEED Certified buildings will receive 20%-25% off building permit fees, depending on the certification.
Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals {BP no.4}
Use LED/solar-powered lighting for a flashing sign or in a street, parking lot or park project.
- Action 5:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Replace the city's existing traffic signal indications with LEDs.
- Action 8:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Building Redevelopment {BP no.5}
Adopt development/design standards and programs that facilitate infill, redevelopment, and adaptable buildings.
- Action 5:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
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:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
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:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Include requirements in comprehensive and/or other plans for intergovernmental coordination addressing regional land use and watershed / wellhead impacts, infrastructure, transportation, economic development and city/regional services.
- Action 3:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Include ecological provisions in the comprehensive plan that explicitly aim to minimize open space fragmentation and/or establish a growth area with expansion criteria.
- Action 4:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Adopt climate mitigation and/or energy independence goals and objectives in the comprehensive plan or in a separate policy document, and include transportation recommendations such as becoming an EV-ready city.
- Action 5:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
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:stations serving Oakdale: one at Greenway Avenue North and one at Helmo Avenue North.
The Helmo Station PUD calls for 30-50 du/ac for the multi-family high density parcels immediately adjacent to the BRT station, and 15-24 du/ac for the multi-family medium density parcels elsewhere in the PUD area.
Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
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.
- Action 4:A successful example of this was the TIF financing and grant funds utilized to make the Tartan Crossing project a reality. The city received DEED Redevelopment and Met Council Livable Communities Demonstration grant funds to cover some of the costs of the demolition and public infrastructure portion of the project. TIF is also being utilized.
Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
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:Similarly, a consultant was used to facilitate the public planning process for the former 3M Foundation Property, property that was previously zoned for a business park. A small area study was completed and it was determined a new residential neighborhood was the best use for the land. Though a series of public open houses with the adjacent neighborhood a preferred conceptual master plan has been developed and approved by the City Council.
Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Modify a planned unit development (PUD) ordinance to emphasize or require mixed-use development or affordable housing, to limit residential PUDs to areas adjacent to commercial development, and/or to add sustainability features.
- Action 3:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Transportation
Living & Complete Streets {BP no.11}
Adopt a complete streets policy, or a living streets policy, which addresses landscaping and stormwater.
- Action 1:Goal 1. Collaborate with federal, state, regional agencies, and local jurisdictions on transportation issues to increase connectivity and achieve alternative forms of transportation.
Goal 2. Develop and maintain a safe, efficient, and environmentally sensitive transportation system.
Goal 3. Promote a multi-modal transportation plan that is fully integrated with land use planning. Adopt and enforce access and mobility standards tied to a functional classification system for all of Oakdale's roadways.
The chapter also specifies that the city is to approach transportation in a comprehensive manner giving attention to all modes and related multimodal facilities. Special attention is paid to separating bicyclists and pedestrians, constructing missing links in trail systems, and creating sidewalks in areas that do not currently have one as part of street reconstruction projects. Tree plantings are also part of reconstruction projects.
The city is also currently in the process of creating its' first neighborhood strategic plan, which among other things will focus on creating further multi-modal transportation connections throughout the city. This neighborhood plan will ultimately end up in the city's next comprehensive plan update.
Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Identify and remedy street-trail gaps between city streets and off-road trails/bike trails to better facilitate walking and biking.
- Action 5:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
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:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Mobility Options {BP no.12}
Conduct an Active Living campaign such as a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program.
- Action 2:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Prominently promote mobility options: public transit; paratransit/Dial-A-Ride; cab services; rental cars; bike lanes; trails; airports.
- Action 3:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Add/expand public transit service.
- Action 6:Additionally, the City has approved BR-TOD plan for the Helmo Station area (a stop along the Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit project). This includes a range of high and medium-density multifamily buildings, flex office space, and street-oriented retail adjacent to Helmo Station in order to encourage utilization of the future BRT line.
Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
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:After considering the availability of features requested by the Building Department, the MPG achievable, the annual cost savings and Consumer Reports rankings the field was narrowed to three vehicles; Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and Toyota Prius. Because of the estimated 44 MPG the vehicle could achieve and its hybrid technology, the City chose the Toyota Prius as the replacement vehicles. Using 2007 numbers, these vehicles will save the City at least $2200 per year in gas costs over the previous vehicles.
The Police Department has also instituted a Five Year Replacement Plan on all of their vehicles. They currently use the Chevy Tahoe for most of their fleet. Due to the specific requirements for use as a police vehicle, they were limited in their choices, however PD has began the processes of phasing in Dodge Chargers. This should also increase the MPG achieved by the Police Department.
Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Phase-in operational changes, equipment changes including electric vehicles, and no-idling practices for city or local transit fleets.
- Action 3:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Demand-Side Travel Planning {BP no.14}
Require new developments or redevelopments to prepare a travel demand management plan or transit-oriented development standards or LEED for Neighborhood Development certification.
- Action 4:The Gateway Corridor Gold Line BRTOD planning process established a multi-modal transportation corridor by linking stations with a continuous biking and walking trail parallel to the BRT guideway. Specifically, the Helmo Station BRTOD plan identifies a new I-94 bridge crossing that will provide improved access for transit, walking, biking, and auto traffic between Oakdale and Woodbury to the south. The plan also increases potential ridership by providing direct access to transit-oriented uses along the corridor with strategic biking and walking improvements along existing, planned, or newly identified routes in the city.
Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Environmental Management
Sustainable Purchasing {BP no.15}
Adopt a sustainable purchasing policy or administrative guidelines/practices directing that the city purchase at least:
- Action 1:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
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.
- Action 2:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Require purchase of U.S. EPA WaterSense-certified products.
- Action 4:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}
Certify as a Tree City USA.
- Action 1:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Maximize tree planting along your main downtown street or throughout the city.
- Action 4:Also, for the past 37 years the city has hosted the Peter Graske Tree Giveaway each spring, in celebration of Arbor Day. A variety of different trees are provided to Oakdale residents free of charge to plant in their own yards. As a result of this event there are thousands of new trees growing throughout the city.
Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Adopt a tree preservation or native landscaping ordinance.
- Action 5:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Build community capacity to protect existing trees by one or more of:
- Action 6:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Stormwater Management {BP no.17}
Adopt and implement guidelines or design standards/incentives for at least one of the following stormwater infiltration/reuse practices:
- Action 5:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Parks and Trails {BP no.18}
Plan and budget for a network of parks, green spaces, water features and trails for areas where new development is planned.
- Action 2:The city's has a number of park and open space planning documents including the comprehensive plan, Open Space Stewardship Plan, and a Parks, Recreation, Open Space & Trail System Study. The city has also made it a priority to create master plans for every park and open space area in the city, and require connection to existing trail infrastructure as part of subdivision approval.
Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Achieve minimum levels of city green space and maximize the percent within a ten-minute walk of community members.
- Action 3:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Develop a program to involve community members in hands-on land restoration, invasive species management and stewardship projects.
- Action 8:The City of Oakdale also has a longstanding volunteer buckthorn removal event each fall, as well as curbside pickup of buckthorn available for residents who register. The volunteer event focuses on a different city park each year. The curbside event is available to residents at no charge.
Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Resilient Economic and Community Development
Benchmarks and Community Engagement {BP no.24}
Inclusive and Coordinated Decision-Making: Use a city commission or committee to lead, coordinate, report to and engage community members on the identification and equitable implementation of sustainability best practices.
- Action 1:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
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:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
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:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Green Business Development {BP no.25}
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:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Promote green businesses that are recognized under a local, regional or national program.
- Action 6:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Renewable Energy {BP no.26}
Promote financing and incentive programs, such as PACE, for clean energy:
- Action 3:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Support a community solar garden or help community members participate in a community solar project by:
- Action 4:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Install a public sector/municipally-owned renewable energy technology, such as solar electric (PV), wind, biomass, solar hot water/air, or micro-hydro.
- Action 5:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
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:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Create, assist with and promote local food production/distribution within the city:
- Action 3:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience {BP no.29}
Prepare to maintain public health and safety during extreme weather and climate-change-related events, while also taking a preventive approach to reduce risk for community members.
- Action 1:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Integrate climate resilience into city or tribal planning, policy, operations, and budgeting processes.
- Action 2:Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723