City Detail

Background Information

City of Red Wing
County: Goodhue
Population: 16547
GreenStep City category: A
Full-time equivalent city staff (approx.): 188
Participating township, county, school:

GreenStep Coordinator

Bridget Rathsack
Contractor
brathsack@wsbeng.com
651-385-3600
City web page relating to sustainability/GreenStep activities:
http://www.red-wing.org/
GreenStep City resolution: Click here to view the file.
GreenStep City status and date: STEP 5 ( )

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
2024 - click to view assessment
Metrics Files
2022 - click to view metrics file

Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed

Completed actions are denoted by stars.

Total completed actions: 73
1 star actions: 46
2 star actions: 20
3 star actions: 7

Buildings and Lighting Buildings and Lighting

Efficient Existing Public Buildings {BP no.1}

2 star - Action 1:

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city has 6+ year's worth of up to date data entered into B3 for all city buildings over 5000 square feet (excluding the water treatment plants), starting in either the beginning of January 2006 or the end of December 2005 until now.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
2 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:
Implementation details:
From 1987 to about 2010, the City of Red Wing has been involved in over 110 energy saving projects with Xcel Energy and has received $98,404.53 in rebates. In addition, these program services have resulted in saving 1,390,351 kWh of electricity and 165,554 therms of natural gas over this same period. When this number is combined with the savings in electricity ($125,185.59) and natural gas ($140,185.59), in today’s dollars, the total benefit to the City of Red Wing would be nearly $365,000.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
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:
In the late 1980s, the City of Red Wing worked with NSP to do a lighting retrofit at City Hall, Public Works, and the Library that they paid back with the energy savings created because of the retrofit.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
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:
City Hall, built in 1907, doesn't meet any LEED standards, but the city has successfully brought a 105 year old building up to today's energy efficiency standards/codes for heating, cooling, ventilation, etc. with new state of the art systems.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
1 star - Action 6:

Improve the operations & maintenance of city-owned/school buildings and leased buildings by using a customized online energy efficiency tool, asset management tool, green building framework or green lease.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Red Wing is continually looking at ways to do a better job for our citizens and at ways to do that job better for the environment. One of the earliest examples of this was the Solid Waste Incinerator. Back in the early 1980s the City Council was faced with the need to find a way to handle the refuse waste that was being collected and placed in a City-owned landfill. Our landfill was close to the end of its capacity, and a decision had to be made on whether to site a new landfill, haul our waste to a different landfill site, or find an alternate way to handle this material. After many public meetings and many discussions with consultants, the City Council decided that building a waste-to-energy incinerator was the best option for the long range needs of our community. Incinerators were a very new concept in the United States but had already proven to be a good alternative to landfills throughout Europe. The foresight by that City Council would not only eliminate the need to landfill our refuse material, it also put the City of Red Wing in the forefront of emerging technology that would help the environment for future generations.

Back in 1985 the price of gasoline dropped to unexpected low levels, and the City saw substantial savings (approximately $30,000.00) in the cost to operate our fleet vehicles. The City staff saw this savings as a potential way to fund an energy savings program for our public buildings. A presentation was made to the City Council, and authorization was given to the staff to do an energy audit for several of the city’s buildings. The results of this audit showed that by investing in energy efficient upgrades to our facilities, we could save enough money on electricity and natural gas to not only attain a short payback on investment, but to save money for several years beyond the payback period. When these results were presented to the City Council, it was approved to implement the “Red Wing Community Energy Program” and begin the investment in energy savings.

Over the following twenty years the City has completed many more projects to help our environment: upgrades to the Waste Water Treatment Facility, combined sewer separation, energy efficient lighting upgrades to the City’s parking ramps, construction of two new water treatment facilities, storm water programs to control run off, converting of our street lights to a more energy efficient and less visually polluting light system, implementing a household program for collecting recyclable items that were previously sent to landfills or burned in the waste incinerator. The City has been recycling all of our fluorescent lights for years. We have implemented a program to purchase pickup trucks with diesel engines that get 3 to 6 more miles to the gallon than the comparable gasoline engines. In the spring of 2005 the City converted our cleaning supplies to a “green” system from 3M. In November of 2006 we put new recycling containers in most City buildings to encourage everyone not to just throw everything in the trash. This winter we are looking at converting all of our paper towels, toilet paper and other paper supplies to “green” products as well. All of these programs and more have been put in place by a work staff and a City Council that believe in looking for ways to help our environment. Yes, some of these items came because of State or Federal mandates, but all of these items were undertaken because Red Wing is a community that cares about the environment. This message has been repeated many times by our citizens. Time after time at public meetings, we have heard that the environment is important. We have heard that we need to do the right thing and consider what our actions might do to the environment. The City Staff believes that we need to continually look for options to lessen our negative impact on the environment. The City Council has continually made decisions based on what would be the best thing to help the environment.

This commitment to the environment will be ongoing in 2007. The Public Works Department plans to buy its first hybrid vehicle. We are strongly looking at a Ford Escape but have not made that final decision. This small SUV would be able to ride four people comfortably to meetings. It can haul equipment and supplies if needed. But the real plus is that for in town driving, which is where this vehicle drives almost exclusively, we should get 33 to 34 miles to the gallon. This compares to the normal 12-16 miles to the gallon that we get with our pickup fleet. We understand that there are cheaper vehicles to buy that would do the same job, but we really believe we need to lead the effort to get everyone in Red Wing thinking about doing the things that are best for the environment. If we can set the example, and most of our citizens agree that the environment matters, then we can show that Red Wing is a community that is truly looking to the future and what our actions today can do to affect that future.

In 2007 the City will be continuing with a plan for the development of the riverfront. The environmental impact of this development is a leading factor in the final decisions that will be made by our City Council. Some citizens may not believe this, but when you look at the last twenty years and the decisions that have been made by our elected officials, it should be obvious to everyone that this group does understand that our environment is very important to all citizens of Red Wing.

I have been an employee of the City of Red Wing for 25 years, and I can tell you that the message from our leadership has always been clear on the issue of preserving our environment. Being a river town we have the need to make sure we are not polluting the Mississippi. Being Pretty Red Wing, we have the opportunity to show everyone that we care about the environment and that we make the right decisions in all of our operations for the benefit of generations to come. We did not have to build a solid waste incinerator. We did not have to make all of our buildings as energy efficient as possible. We did not have to convert our street lights to a system that is less visually polluting. We do not have to buy a hybrid vehicle. Unless you understand what “Pretty Red Wing” means to each of us, then you know why we had to do these things. Pretty Red Wing is not just the title to an old song. It is a motto for a community that cares about our environment. It is the reason most of us choose to call this community home. It is the reason that I can take a little pride when someone finds out that I am from Red Wing, and they comment on how beautiful our town is. “Pretty Red Wing” is a statement to the continued commitment to the environment by a small river town that knows we have the opportunity to make a difference.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744

Efficient Existing Private Buildings {BP no.2}

3 star - Action 1:

Create or participate in a marketing/outreach/incentive program to promote/achieve residential energy/water use reduction and energy efficiency.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
In the winter of 2015, Red Wing, Minnesota, began a six month process to evaluate how energy is used and sourced in the City, and to develop an Energy Action Plan to help the community work towards short- to mid-term energy goals based upon those findings. The process was facilitated through Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy offering for communities, and convened by Red Wing’s Sustainability Commission. Red Wing was the third Minnesota community to participate in Partners in Energy. On December 14, 2015, the Red Wing City Council approved supporting the Partners In Energy (PIE)Green Wing Action Plan.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The PIE Action Team developed areas of focus and core strategies. A primary goal for the Action Plan is to increase energy efficiency adoption by residential households and small to midsized-commercial businesses. The residential focus area has a goal of adding an additional 10% or 700 households of Red Wing households to the city’s baseline participation, engage in an energy efficiency and/or renewable energy activity in the next two years. The commercial focus area has a similar goal to engage an additional 10% of Red Wing’s small to mid-sized businesses in an energy efficiency or renewable energy activity in the next three years, meaning 100 businesses above the city’s baseline participation.

The team members of PIE are currently devising outreach strategies to promote energy efficiency adoption by focusing on the promotion of home energy audits. The group has implemented several outreach strategies including: 1) through a utility billing flier, it offered discounts to Red Wing community members to have a Home Energy Audit conducted through the Xcel Energy program; 2) a business outreach campaign; and 3) a competition between community congregations to have members conduct energy efficiency action items. Final results will be available in June 2017.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://www.red-wing.org/greenwing.html
City of Red Wing, Xcel Energy, and local volunteers
For more information contact:
Melissa Baartman (City staff) | melissa.baartman@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-385-3685

Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals {BP no.4}

1 star - Action 4:

Coordinate traffic signals and/or optimize signal timing to minimize car idling at intersections yet maintain safe and publicly acceptable vehicle speeds.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In 2012, downtown intersections will be updated to allow for synchronization.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
2 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:
The Barn Bluff flag pole and Airport runway lighting are solar powered.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
1 star - Action 7:

Replace city-owned parking lot/ramp lighting with Dark-Sky compliant, energy efficient, automatic dimming lighting technologies.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
As lightbulbs burn out, we have been updating them. All lights will be converted in the near future - standard operating procecdure.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
3 star - Action 8:

Replace the city's existing traffic signal indications with LEDs.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
All of the City's traffic lights have been switched to LED - standard operating procedure.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744

Building Redevelopment {BP no.5}

2 star - Action 1:

Adopt an historic preservation ordinance/regulations and encourage adaptive reuse.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Red Wing has one of the oldest Historic Preservation Ordinances in Minnesota. The Red Wing Heritage Preservation Commission has worked with dozens of adaptive reuse projects including the St. James Hotel, Riverfront Center, Sheldon Theatre, Pottery Factories, Red Wing Depots, Central High School, and many others.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
3 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:
The Main Street program was initiated in 2010.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
1 star - Action 5:

Adopt development/design standards and programs that facilitate infill, redevelopment, and adaptable buildings.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The Commercial Design Standards that were established encourage infill and redevelopment along the commercial strip of Highway 61.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744

Land Use Land Use

Comprehensive, Climate and Energy Plans {BP no.6}

1 star - Action 1:

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2007 with several amendments adopted since then. (http://www.red-wing.org/comprehensiveplan.html)
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.red-wing.org/comprehensiveplan.html
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
1 star - Action 2:

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Our zoning code specifically references consistency with the comprehensive plan as a "finding-a-fact" when making zoning permit decisions. (http://www.red-wing.org/comprehensiveplan.html)
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.red-wing.org/comprehensiveplan.html
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
1 star - Action 4:

Include ecological provisions in the comprehensive plan that explicitly aim to minimize open space fragmentation and/or establish a growth area with expansion criteria.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The Comprehensive Plan is based on the concept of preserving the green infrastructure. The Open Space Preservation Plan uses the idea of minimizing the fragmentation of open space as a major element in its recommendations. Red Wing's approach is to infill "major activity areas" prior to expanding into new urban growth areas. (http://www.red-wing.org/comprehensiveplan.html)
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.red-wing.org/comprehensiveplan.html
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
1 star - Action 5:

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The Comprehensive Plan has established broad energy independence goals that need to be further refined. The city has 5 buildings with plans to have solar energy installed with funding from Xcel Energy's Solar Rewards program and Minnesota Made Rebate Program. Applications were sent to Xcel in May of 2012 - 3 of 5 have been approved - working on the last two. Also, the Sustainability Commission is working on updates to the City Zoning code related to renewable energy sources including solar and wind. (http://www.red-wing.org/comprehensiveplan.html)
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.red-wing.org/comprehensiveplan.html
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744

Resilient City Growth {BP no.7}

1 star - Action 3:

Achieve higher intensity commercial/industrial land uses through at least one of the following strategies:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
We've created two mixed use zoning districts that allow for reduced lot size and zero-setback requirements.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744

Mixed Uses {BP no.8}

1 star - Action 1:

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The Downtown Main Street action plan was adopted in 2009 and accepted in 2010. Red Wing was one of the first 5 cities in the state to do so.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
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 new Goodhue County Law Enforcement Center, completed in 1999, is located in the middle of downtown & has surrounding housing in a very close proximity. Downtown Red Wing has sidewalks on all of the streets in the main grid, including the streets that the Goodhue County Law Enforcement Center is located. There is a bus service that runs through downtown Red Wing 5 days a week.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
1 star - Action 3:

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In 2000 the city established a planned unit development section in it's zoning ordinance that allows for the establishment of mixed use developments. The city has also created some mixed use commectial zoning districts that allow for residential uses.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
1 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:
Red Wing's CBD zoning allows for residential mixed use development and Red Wing recently ammended the ordinance to make parking requirements more flexible.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744

Efficient Highway- and Auto-Oriented Development {BP no.9}

1 star - Action 1:

Establish design goals for at least one highway/auto-oriented corridor/cluster.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city established Commercial Design Standards in 2010 as an ammendment to the zoning code.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
1 star - Action 3:

Adopt infrastructure design standards that protect the economic and ecologic functions of the highway corridor through clustering of development, native plantings and incorporating access management standards.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Stormwater management systems (ponds, swales, infiltration basins, etc) are constructed along highway corridors. Tree buffers are preserved where possible and land disturbance during construction is minimized.

Hwy 61 had an access mgmt study through MNDOT - The study encourages higher density development. One of the central elements of the city's comprehensive plan focuses new development in already existing activity centers. (http://www.red-wing.org/comprehensiveplan.html)

We have adopted a complete streets policy that ensures all users of road corridors (vehicles, bikers, pedestrians, transit, etc.) are considered during the design process. The city makes every effort to listen to the stakeholders and interested citizens to develop projects that are safe, feasible and meet the needs of the public.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744

Design for Natural Resource Conservation {BP no.10}

1 star - Action 1:

Conduct a Natural Resource Inventory or Assessment (NRI or NRA); incorporate protection of priority natural systems or resources such as groundwater through the subdivision or development process.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city adopted an Open Space Preservation Plan in 2008 as an ammendment to the City Comprehensive Plan. (http://www.red-wing.org/comprehensiveplan.html)
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
1 star - Action 5:

Preserve environmentally sensitive, community-valued land by placing a conservation easement on city lands, and by encouraging/funding private landowners to place land in conservation easements.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city established several conservation easements to preserve property (for example, in 2011, the city granted a conservation easement over approximately 200 acres in the Red Wing Riverfront to the Minnesota Land Trust). The city has also been awarded several DNR Natural and Scenic Grants used to purchase open space.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744

Transportation Transportation

Living & Complete Streets {BP no.11}

1 star - Action 1:

Adopt a complete streets policy, or a living streets policy, which addresses landscaping and stormwater.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city adopted a Complete Streets policy but it's not specifically a Complete "Green" Streets policy - We do have a fairly aggressive Urban Forestry program and we are currently updating our Stormwater Management Plan as well.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
1 star - Action 4:

Identify, prioritize and remedy complete streets gaps and lack of connectivity/safety within your road network by, for example, bike/pedestrian plan, adding a bike route/lane, truck route, sidewalk or mid-block alley.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City received a SHIP grant to create a "Share the Road" bike and pedestrian route along Levee Road.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
1 star - Action 5:

Identify and remedy street-trail gaps between city streets and off-road trails/bike trails to better facilitate walking and biking.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Currrently (Summer of 2012) we are constructing a sidewalk connection from the Historic Pottery District to the new Transit Hub being built right off of Highway 61.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
1 star - Action 6:

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city received a MNDOT grant of $1.1 million to improve pedestrian intersections on Highway 61 in Downtown Red Wing. The project will begin construction in 2014.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744

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:
Implementation details:
Red Wing adopted a Complete Streets policy resolution in January 2011. In November 2011, the city adopted the Red Wing Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (trails, routes/bike lanes, and sidewalk connections).

Public Works locker rooms added showers in April of 2012. Local Initiative to add 27 bike U-racks in the downtown area.

The city currently has a project underway with the Hiawatha Land Transit to develop Park and Ride and Bus transfer station in the center of town.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
2 star - Action 2:

Conduct an Active Living campaign such as a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Live Healthy Red Wing was formed in 2008 in an effort to promote active living and good nutrition. (http://www.livehealthyredwing.org/)
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.livehealthyredwing.org/
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744

Efficient City Fleets {BP no.13}

1 star - Action 1:

Efficiently use your existing fleet of city vehicles by encouraging trip bundling, video conferencing, carpooling, vehicle sharing and incentives/technology.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
We use pool cars that are size appropriate quite regularly. When we have intra-city mail from Public Works to City Hall and vice versa, our meter reader takes care of that while he is already out and about to prevent an extra trip for someone else and to rely less on US Mail.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
1 star - Action 2:

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Standard Opperating Procedure - Every vehicle is checked for proper size. More fuel efficient Ford Tauras Squad cars have been added to the fleet as the most recent additions instead of opting for the larger Crown Victorias.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
1 star - Action 4:

Phase in bike, e-bike, foot or horseback modes for police, inspectors and other city staff.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
We currently have four officers that have attended bike patrol training through the Saint Paul Police Department. These officers occasionally patrol on bicycles specifically designed for this kind of work and are equipped with emergency lighting. These officers have bike carriers attached to their squad cars so they can patrol all areas of the town on their bikes and not be far from their squad car. The biggest benefit of having the officers on their bikes is it brings them closer to the public and therefore increased interaction with the public. It also provides a change of pace for the officers and allows them to easily access areas not available to them while in their squad car. All of our officers are encouraged and expected (when time permits) to spend at least a portion of their shift out of the car on foot. Again, the biggest benefit of this type of patrolling is the ability to have more face to face contact with the public. Officers will walk the downtown area and visit businesses, walk neighborhoods, and specific problem areas that are identified from time to time. This activity also provides a change of pace for the officers and allows them to interact and listen to the public’s concerns. We have received a lot of positive comments from the public when they see the officers out and about on foot. We do not have horseback patrols in Red Wing.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744

Demand-Side Travel Planning {BP no.14}

2 star - Action 1:

Reduce or eliminate parking minimums; add parking maximums; develop district parking; install meters and charge for parking at curb and city-owned lots/ramps. 

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Red Wing Zoning Code waves parking requirements in the CBD and allows for shared parking in all other developments.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744

Environmental Management Environmental Management

Sustainable Purchasing {BP no.15}

1 star - Action 1:

Adopt a sustainable purchasing policy or administrative guidelines/practices directing that the city purchase at least:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The newly renovated kitchen at the Public Works department has all new energy star certified equiptment. The city does not have a specific policy in place about purchasing only energy star certified appliances, but rather it is implied.

It is the personal policy of the City's Deputy Director of Public Works and the Public Works Specialist, who are in charge of purchasing paper products, to purchase only products of 30% post-consumer recycled content.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Tracking purchases for paper supplies annually.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
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's progressing solar energy project (installing solar panels on 5 city buildings - 4 of 5 projects have been approved by Xcel Energy with 1 still pending as of 8/13/12) will allow us to produce a lot of our own energy instead of needing to purchase energy at all, let alone from renewable sources.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
1 star - Action 3:

Establish purchasing preferences that support local, Minority, Disability, and Women-Owned businesses and, working with a local business association, develop a list of locally-produced products and suppliers for common purchases.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city does not have a specific policy in place about local purchasing, but rather it is implied. The city makes every effort to purchase locally in every instance as a first choice. With Red Wing's geographic location and the fact that it's the largest town within a 25 mile radius, it makes sense financially for the city to purchase locally.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
2 star - Action 5:

Set minimum sustainability standards to reduce the impact of your concrete use, asphalt, roadbed aggregate, or other construction materials.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
We currently recycle 100% of asphalt pavement. About 95% goes back into new asphalt and 5% goes into roadway aggregate. We currently recycle approximately 95% of the concrete/blocks/bricks/etc. into roadbed aggregate. The remaining 5% has metal reinforcing bars/mesh that is too hard to put through the crusher. We currently reuse approximately 40% of our roadbed aggregates. It’s hard to increase this amount because of contamination with the sub-grade materials during the reconstruction process. We recycle 100% of our old manhole castings, valve boxes, metal pipes, old signs/posts, etc. The only one of these items we typically purchase as a recycled material is the asphalt, which is allowed to have up to 20% recycled material. The other items, except the metal, we recycle ourselves and use on our own projects, so the costs of salvaging, hauling, crushing, etc. are the cost of the recycled material.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744

Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}

1 star - Action 1:

Certify as a Tree City USA.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city has been certified as a Tree City USA since at least 1995. See attached document.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
1 star - Action 3:

Budget for and achieve resilient urban canopy/tree planting goals.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city does a spring and fall planting every year and looks for spaces in newly developed areas to plant new trees. We also keep record of places that we have had to remove trees so that we make sure to replant in those areas. We received an Emerald Ash Borer grant and are working to reduce the number of Ash trees by replacing them with other varieties throughout the city.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
1 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 City of Red Wing has a distinct downtown district and a main throughfare with tree planting efforts in each. We do maximize tree planting throught the city, however, we're selective on some of the major roads because they are actually state controled roads. We could put more shade trees along major roads but it's not necessarily in our best interest because we do not want to interfere with the state in any way. On our downtown main street, however, we do try to maximize the tree planting.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
In 2008 the City had a sustainability report with mapped out 5,690 trees planted in streets and boulevards. This would serve a base line. The City is also replacing ash trees in parks and open spaces as a separate effort.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
2 star - Action 5:

Adopt a tree preservation or native landscaping ordinance.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city has a tree replacement policy on both public an private property.

As a policy, we do not let the public do work on city owned/planted trees. We also inspect private trees and can ask people to do repair/remove trees, but if they don't, we do have jurisdiction over the private trees if they are potentially harmful to others or the environment.

We have ordinances in place for weeds and grass height in residential yards that would get in the way of the growth of natural vegetation.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
2 star - Action 6:

Build community capacity to protect existing trees by one or more of:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city's public works department has two staff members certified as well as a consultant forester and we work directly with a community organization thats primary goal is to protect the city's trees and to keep the city green.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744

Stormwater Management {BP no.17}

1 star - Action 4:

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City has a storm water utility to based on use and land type for the management of stormwater in the city.

In 2009 we established a stormwater utility that accomplishes all of the listed activities.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Continue to identify and enhance stormwater treatment in areas of need. Continue to reduce the amount of stormwater in the city without treatment.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
1 star - Action 5:

Adopt and implement guidelines or design standards/incentives for at least one of the following stormwater infiltration/reuse practices:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Red Wing has raingardens and has design standards for implementation for city and residents.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Continue to support and develope raingardens on public and private property.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744

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:
Implementation details:
The City performed a detailed evaluation of open space opportunities in 2007. Init it detailed the priority areas the city deemed as important for a variety of reasons.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Continue to re-evaluate and update the needs and measure the success of newly added open spaces. Currentoy more than 20% of the City's area is in one of several statutes; parks, trails, open spaces, preserves.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
2 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:
The Friends of the Bluffs, the Sustainability Commission, and Live Healthy Red Wing are all community programs that have done some work in land restoration and stewardship - buckthorn removal at parks, for example. Live Healthy Red Wing is working with the Red Wing Area Fund on a restoration effort for Memorial Park - repairing rock steps, removing non-native vegetation, replanting trees, etc. The city has collaborated with the MN Land Trust on a number of open space preservation projects that resulted in a number of conservation easements and natural resource management plans.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744

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:
Our city zoning ordinance has a shoreland management ordinance that was approved by the DNR.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744

Efficient Water and Wastewater Systems {BP no.20}

1 star - Action 2:

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
This is a standard operating procedure for the City of Red Wing.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
1 star - Action 3:

Establish an on-going budget and program for decreasing inflow and infiltration into sewer lines and losses in drinking water systems.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city performs routine I and I studies the lastest being in 2010.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Continue to perform the I and I studies and make improvements.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
2 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:
Implementation details:
A) Industrial pretreatment program that engages business to lower toxicity or volume of waste discharges to POTW.
D) One grey water reuse system in the city
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Record the business that get involved in the toxicity or reduction actions and also list the gret water re-use site(s)
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Steve Stadler (City staff) | sstadler@hopkinsmn.com | 952-548-6350

Sustainable Consumption and Waste {BP no.22}

1 star - Action 7:

Improve/organize residential trash, recycling and organics collection by private and/or public operations and offer significant volume-based pricing on residential garbage and/or incentives for recycling.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
THe city of red Wing is the residential waste collector and has volume based recepticles/ rates.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
List the prices for the various recepticles.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744

Local Air Quality {BP no.23}

3 star - Action 1:

Replace small internal combustion engine lawn and garden equipment (e.g. lawnmowers, weed whips, etc.) with lower polluting equipment.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In 2010 the city held public meetings and established new requirements for outdoor wood boilers that establishes standards for burning wood with low water content.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
2 star - Action 2:

Reduce residential burning of wood and yard waste and eliminate ‘backyard’ trash burning.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In 2010 the city held public meetings and established new requirements for outdoor wood boilers that establishes standards for burning wood with low water content.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
3 star - Action 3:

Decrease air emissions from vehicle idling, gasoline filling stations, business trucking, and pollutants/noise from stationary engines/back-up generators.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The Red Wing Housing Authority established a no-smoking policy for public housing in full for the indoors and at restricted times and at only certain places on the property outside.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744

Resilient Economic & Community Development Resilient Economic and Community Development

Benchmarks and Community Engagement {BP no.24}

2 star - Action 1:

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2015
Implementation details:
The Sustainability Commission is currently composed of eight citizen members with the purpose of providing advice to the City Council concerning environmental issues and initiatives confronting the City. The Commission works with citizens, government, businesses and local community organizations to protect and preserve the ecological resources of the community. Specifically, the commission is charged with recommending a sustainability plan to the City Council; assisting and advising the Council, Planning Commission and other City agencies in assessing the environmental impact of proposed undertakings; recommending environmental policies; completing studies; developing educational programs; and establishing volunteer programs and opportunities. In 2015, the Commission adopted the "Green Wing Energy Action Plan" which establishes energy reduction goals for the community. The Commission reviews GreenStep City best practices when taking into consideration implementing new initiatives. The commission meets the 4th Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.red-wing.org/sustainabilitycommission.html
City of Red Wing Sustainability Commission volunteers
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
2 star - Action 2:

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In 2009 the city developed a complete Sustainability Measures Report that will soon be updated.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
2 star - Action 3:

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2015
Implementation details:
As a part of the Green Wing Action Plan developed by the Partners in Energy (PIE) Group, sustainability indicators regarding energy use were adopted by the City of Red Wing Sustainability Commission and City Council in Dec. 2015.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Not including the top three commercial users, Red Wing used 170 million kWh of electricity in 2013. Of this community-wide electricity use, 66% was used by commercial and industrial customers, and the remaining 34% was used by residential customers. Commercial and industrial customers account for 13% of the total premises and residential customers account for 87%.7

Red Wing customers used 11 million therms of natural gas in 2013. Commercial and industrial customers accounted for 53% of Red Wing’s natural gas use and 10% of Red Wing’s gas premises. Residential customers used 47% of the natural gas and accounted for 90% of the premises.

Working with Excel Energy, the City will continue to promote through the PIE Program energy efficiency program and monitoring of the community's energy use. Attached is a recent overview of participation in energy efficiency projects and usage rates.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Xcel Energy and the City of Red Wing
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
1 star - Action 4:

Public Education for Action: Conduct or support a broad sustainability education and action campaign, building on existing community relationships, networks & events involving:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
A new joint initiative called the “Get-Up-And-Save Congregational Energy Challenge” is being launched by the City of Red Wing in partnership with Xcel Energy. This educational campaign is a fun competition between local churches to promote environmental stewardship. Reducing energy usage equates to a cleaner “Green Wing” community -- all the while, saving money!

The organizer of the Congregational Energy Challenge is local Red Wing native, Jill Fanslow. Each congregation is requested to have a designated point person for carrying the campaign within the congregation.

Throughout the Challenge, residents and congregations will be provided with opportunities to bring energy and cost savings home. The Challenge will run from April 1st through May 15th. Participating congregations will earn points for congregates completing actions who report their activities.

The top two places-of-worship with the most points will receive free Energy Audits ($600 value) and the third-place congregation will receive a pizza party/treats for their youth group or congregation. Point. Congregation representatives who organize activities at their church will receive a FREE home energy audit ($100 value)!
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The kick-off meeting for the Energy Challenge was on March 21st. Representatives from any congregation in “Green” Wing were welcome to participate and to learn more. Currently four congregations are in the competition.

The Green Wing joint partnership was developed by the community of Red Wing in collaboration with Xcel Energy to encourage less energy use and the creation of more renewable sources across Red Wing. For more information visit red-wing.org/greenwing.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Xcel Energy and the City of Red Wing
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744

Green Business Development {BP no.25}

1 star - Action 2:

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
The Red Wing community developed the "Green Wing" Energy Challenge in collaboration with Xcel Energy to encourage less energy use and the creation of more renewable sources across Red Wing. We’re challenging local businesses to save money and help the community by participating in simple energy saving programs.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The “Green Wing Energy Challenge” is designed to save local Red Wing business owners energy and money! Our goal is to make the process easier to understand by providing low-cost resources for general assistance, building assessments, and financing. Businesses may connect with a local Green Wing volunteer representative to coach them through the process. The 2016 - 2017 goal is to have 100 businesses participate in energy audits or other actionable energy efficiency programs.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.red-wing.org/green-wing-energy-challenge-for-businesses.html
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
1 star - Action 4:

Strengthen value-added businesses utilizing local "waste" material.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
We recycle metal at Hove Metals, just down the street from Red Wing Public Works. St. Paul heating district takes ground-up wood from the Incinerator.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
1 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:
The City is currently administering two $200,000 EPA Community Assessment Grants to be used to encourage clean-up and re-development of brownfield sites.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744

Renewable Energy {BP no.26}

1 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: 2014
Implementation details:
In July 2014, the City of Red Wing amended its Zoning Land Use provisions by adding a solar ordinance. The Planning and Sustainability Commissions are working together to develop a the solar ordinance standards.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Private and public solar arrays are being built within Red Wing actively.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
3 star - Action 3:

Promote financing and incentive programs, such as PACE, for clean energy:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
On March 14, 2016, the City of Red Wing entered into a joint powers agreement with the St. Paul Port Authority to implement the Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (“PACE OF MN”) locally.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The city of Red Wing makes available the PACE program to businesses. It has been promoted through Partners In Energy campaign efforts through 2016 into 2017. One application for PACE Program s in the process of being submitted to the St. Paul Port Authority.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
City of Red Wing Sustainability Commission, R.W. Port Authority and St. Paul Port Authority
1 star - Action 5:

Install a public sector/municipally-owned renewable energy technology, such as solar electric (PV), wind, biomass, solar hot water/air, or micro-hydro.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2014
Implementation details:
During 2013, the City of Red Wing began to install two solar panels at its Fire Station and Solid Waste Campus. An additional four solar panels were installed over the course of 2014. These solar electric projects will have an expected life of 40 years and are estimated to produce approximately $2,250,000.00 of electricity in that time. The total cost for all six projects will be $1,906,654.00. The cost for the City of Red Wing’s portion of these projects will be $166,753.00 or 9%. The remaining expenses were paid for with grants from Xcel Energy & the State of Minnesota, and financing investment from Newport Partners, LLC.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
These 6 solar panels produce 240,000 kWh over the course of the year which is approximately 3.6% of the City’s operational electrical consumption for the 2015 year.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.red-wing.org/solarproject.html
Newport Parnters. LLC.
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
3 star - Action 6:

Report installed private sector-owned renewable energy/energy efficient generation capacity with at least one of the following attributes:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
In 2016, the City of Red Wing entered into a solar garden subscription for 5,737,500 kWh annually with solar garden provider Innovative Power Systems (IPS). The subscription should come near to providing 100% of the City's electrical use. IPS has built its first solar garden at large site provided by the Red Wing School District. The new 5 MW solar array recently went into production and the City has begun purchasing solar power in January 2017. Then new RW School District garden will supply 57% of the City’s solar garden subscription.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The rest of the City's solar subscription will come online when IPS has finished building more gardens. The solar garden subscription is a 25-year agreement which will save the City a conservative estimate of $6.6 million.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.ips-solar.com/community-solar-gardens/red-wing-community-solar-garden/
Innovative Power Systems and the Red Wing School District
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744

Local Food {BP no.27}

1 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 Red Wing has two active community gardens - one near a commercial area of downtown and another in a more residential location.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Continue current gardens and possibly expand to a handicap accessible location
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
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 Red Wing Farmers Market expanded again last year to a new location and a winter operation as well. They also offer sattelite locations (outreach) on limited days of the week at assisted living facilities.

The city has actively encouraged the development and growth of the farmer's market.

The city has two community gardens and the Live Healthy Red Wing organization is working with the Red Wing School District to develop school garden at Sunnyside Elementary.

Both Kiki's Simple Abundance and the Riverbend Market Cooperative are thriving in the city of Red Wing.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Continue to expand the Market including the outreach operation
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.redwingfarmersmarket.org/
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744

Business Synergies and EcoDistricts {BP no.28}

1 star - Action 2:

Document that at least one business/building uses waste heat or water discharge from another business or conducts materials exchange activities with another organization.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
S.B. Foot Tannery gets waste heat from the Incinerator next door.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744

Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience {BP no.29}

2 star - Action 1:

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
The City of Red Wing works in close partnership with Goodhue County in emergency management planning efforts. With the Prairie Island Nuclear facility being within the community, an extensive emergency management plan is in place and annually practiced. The State of Minnesota Dept. of Public Safety Homeland Security and Emergency Management works closely with Goodhue County and Red Wing in conducting radiological drills on a regular basis and having thorough evacuation, sheltering and communication plans in place.

The City of Red Wing has a designated emergency manager who is a police administrative captain, Tony Grosso. In early 2017, Captain Grosso completed his emergency manager certification with the State. He is currently working on a Railroad Emergency Response plan and conducting a city drill in the late summer of 2017.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Melissa Baartman (City staff) | melissa.baartman@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-385-3685
2 star - Action 2:

Integrate climate resilience into city or tribal planning, policy, operations, and budgeting processes.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
During 2016, the City of Red Wing has integrated climate resilience into city strategic planning, operations and budgeting processes. First, the City Council included within its 2016 Strategic Plan two projects: 1) Strategy I.D.10 to "develop a community resiliency plan to identify and prepare a plan to adapt to potential impacts of climate change" with implementation designated for 2017 and 2) Strategy III.H.2 to "strengthen staff support for the Sustainability Commission." Within the 2017 City Budget, the Council approved a half-time position for the City to fill a formal Sustainability Coordinator role who will take the lead in resiliency planning. Operationally, the Human Resource department has approved a Sustainability Coordinator job description.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The City of Red Wing human resource department is currently in the process of attempting to fill the Sustainability Coordinator position. Once the new coordinator is hired, the Resiliency planning will commence. The City additionally has recently appointed a new emergency manager who finished his emergency management certification and will participate in all hazards planning efforts such as resiliency planning.

The City Strategic Plan also provides the following goals:
* a new emergency manager who will participate in all hazards planning efforts;
* a Code Red Program that informs residents of emergency information via automatic phone recordings;
* the goal of fostering an active, healthy citizenry in which all residents feel listened to, engaged, and connected;
* the goal to improve communication with residents about city news, policies, and activities using multiple media forms; and
* the plan to hire a communication staff person to facilitate proactive communication
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.red-wing.org/media/files/city_council/City%20of%20Red%20Wing%20Strategic%20Plan%20FINAL%202016.pdf
For more information contact:
Melissa Baartman (City staff) | melissa.baartman@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-385-3685