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
Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed
Completed actions are denoted by stars.
Total completed actions: 86Buildings and Lighting
Efficient Existing Public Buildings {BP no.1}
Amy Zenanko (City Staff) | azenanko@richfieldmn.gov | 6518619171
Make no/low cost indoor lighting and operational changes in city-owned/school buildings to reduce energy costs.
- Action 2:• Motion sensors on all lighting
• Automatic water shut of on all bathroom sinks
• Automatic flushing, low flow toilets in bathrooms
LED lights were installed on the outside of the Wood Lake Nature Center.
The City of Richfield participates in the Xcel Electric Rate Savings Peak-Controlled Rate Program for commercial and industrial customers. During periods of peak demand, such as hot summer days, the Xcel power grid may require more power than is normally available. By participating in Electric Rate Savings, we help reduce the amount of electricity demand, which helps Xcel meet system-wide requirements at critical times.
Chris Link (City staff) | clink@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619174
Document that the new construction or major remodeling of a public building has met the SB 2030 energy standard or has met or qualified under a green building or energy framework.
- Action 5:Public Works Facility: Maximizes energy efficiency (30-35% better than standard construction), ground source heat pump, daylighting. Green construction and deconstruction (65% demolition materials and construction waste recycled). Low-flow water fixtures. Exceeds the zoning open space requirements by 10%. Manages close to 100% of stormwater on site via rain gardens, retention ponds, minimized building footprint, and permeable paving. All lighting is LED.
Chris Link (City staff) | clink@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619174
Install for one or more city-owned/school buildings one of the following efficiency measures:
- Action 7:Chris Link (City staff) | clink@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619174
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:The City is collaborating with the utilities on the Home Energy Squad Enhanced (HESE) program, which offers homeowners a low-cost home energy visit along with the installation of the following energy-efficiency products: Programmable thermostat, weather stripping for two exterior doors, compact fluorescent lights, high-efficiency showerhead, kitchen and bathroom faucet aerators. water heater temperature assessment, adjustment, and insulation, and refrigerator thermometer. The homeowner pays $50 for the visit and installation, while the City pays the remainder of the cost. At the end of the visit and installations, the homeowner is provided with a Home Energy Report that allows the homeowners to best prioritize their efficiency upgrades. Residents who install wall and/or attic insulation that qualifies for rebates from CenterPoint Energy can also apply for up to $200 in additional rebates from the City of Richfield. Both the HESE program and the City's rebate program began in March 2013.
Julie Urban (City staff) | jurban@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619777
Integrate green building and EV charging best practices information and assistance into the building permit process.
- Action 2:Melissa Poehlman (City staff) | MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619766
Describe energy/water efficiency outcomes and other green building practices at businesses and not-for-profit organizations located within/nearby the city.
- Action 4:The City approved plans for Richfield-Bloomington Honda to quadruple the car dealership's size with a LEED-certifiable building.
Melissa Poehlman (City staff) | MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619766
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:The City sends water conservation information out in utility bills and as part of the annual CCR report. On January 1, 2010, the city implemented a 3-tier conservation rate structure. Irrigation systems are supposed to have sensors on them and permanent annual water restrictions are in place from 5/1-9/30 to encourage decreased sprinkling.
Russ Lupkes (City staff) | rlupkes@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619175
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:Previous Programs:
The City's Foreclosure Purchase Incentive Program (FPIP) aimed to stabilize and improve residential neighborhoods suffering from the negative effects of the foreclosure crisis. FPIP offered financial assistance to buyers interested in purchasing a foreclosed home through the allocation of federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds. There were two financing options with the City's program: Purchase Assistance - $10,000, and Rehabilitation Assistance - $15,000. If the buyer lived in the home for 5 years, the loan was completely forgiven. Although the City did not require certification to a green building standard, the upgrading of foreclosed homes to the required health and safety standards was significantly "greener" than allowing the home to further deteriorate to the point of needing demolition. This program is no longer offered.
The City received $1,054,000 in federal funds to acquire, rehabilitate and re-sell foreclosed homes. Homes were rehabbed in accordance with Minnesota Housing’s Green Communities standards. 7 homes were rehabbed and resold through the program to low and moderate-income households. The City’s Transformation Home Loan Program provided incentive financing for large-scale remodeling projects valued at $50,000 or more. Loans were up to 15% of the total project cost with a maximum loan of $25,000. There were no income limits, no payments, no interest, and the loan is forgiven after 30 years.
Julie Urban (City staff) | jurban@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619777
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:The sustainability policies in the City's Parks Master Plan states, "That all new park and facility improvements include in the planning or process criterion that improves sustainability of materials, energy use, operating cost and lifecycle replacement and natural environmental impact. Best practices for stormwater retention. That innovative stormwater retention techniques be utilized in new park development and in the renovation of existing parks, such as permeable paving and rain gardens.
Melissa Poehlman (City staff) | MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619766
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:Julie Urban (City staff) | jurban@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619777
Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals {BP no.4}
Require energy efficient, Dark-Sky compliant new or replacement outdoor lighting fixtures on city-owned/private buildings and facilities.
- Action 1:Melissa Poehlman (City staff) | MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619766
Purchase LEDs for all future street lighting and traffic signals.
- Action 2:Chris Link (City staff) | clink@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619174
Coordinate traffic signals and/or optimize signal timing to minimize car idling at intersections yet maintain safe and publicly acceptable vehicle speeds.
- Action 4:Chris Link (City staff) | clink@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619174
Use LED/solar-powered lighting for a flashing sign or in a street, parking lot or park project.
- Action 5:Chris Link (City staff) | clink@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619174
Relamp/improve exterior building lighting for city-owned buildings/facilities with energy efficient, Dark-Sky compliant lighting.
- Action 6:Chris Link (City staff) | clink@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619174
Replace city-owned parking lot/ramp lighting with Dark-Sky compliant, energy efficient, automatic dimming lighting technologies.
- Action 7:Kris Weiby (City staff) | dweiby@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619354
Replace the city's existing traffic signal indications with LEDs.
- Action 8:Chris Link (City staff) | clink@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619174
Building Redevelopment {BP no.5}
Adopt development/design standards and programs that facilitate infill, redevelopment, and adaptable buildings.
- Action 5:Melissa Poehlman (City staff) | MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619766
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:Melissa Poehlman (City staff) | MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619766
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:The individual sections of the Zoning Code include a "Purpose" subsection but not all sections reference the Comprehensive Plan goals.
The City's permit application forms and staff reports reference the importance of compliance with the Comp Plan. The applications state that the City will evaluate the proposed developments for "Consistency with the elements and objectives of the city’s comprehensive plan and any additional long range plans."
Melissa Poehlman (City staff) | MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619766
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:The City participates in a wide variety of organizations including the following: MN League of Cities, Twin Cities Regional Council of Mayors, the 494 Coalition, the Regional Indicators Initiative, the Metropolitan Airports Commission, state agencies (DNR, MPCA, Dept. of Commerce, etc.), the Richfield-Bloomington Watershed Management Organization, and the Home Energy Squad Enhanced Program. To share fields, courts, gymnasiums and other recreation facilities and to operate programs, the City partners with the School District and the Academy of Holy Angels through Joint Facilities Agreements, as well as the adjacent cities, the YMCA, the Adaptive Recreation and Learning Exchange (AR&LE) cooperative, and private businesses.
Melissa Poehlman (City staff) | MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619766
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:Rachel Lindholm (City Staff) | rlindholm@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619188
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:The multi-family and mixed use districts (Sections 525 and 527) allow densities that are significantly higher than 23 du/acre (24-150 du/acre). The districts predominate in the City's commercial centers and transit nodes.
Melissa Poehlman (City staff) | MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619766
Achieve higher intensity commercial/industrial land uses through at least one of the following strategies:
- Action 3:The Mixed Use districts are located in areas where there is existing commercial and residential intensity and planned growth. Also the Land Use Plan Map in the Comprehensive Plan designates mixed use and higher residential densities as the predominant land uses in the City's commercial centers.
Section 544.15 of the Zoning Code states: "Pedestrian circulation and access, Subd.1. Pedestrian access points shall be provided at all pedestrian arrival points to the development including the property edges, adjacent lots, abutting street intersections, crosswalks, and at transit stops. Pedestrian access shall be coordinated with existing development to provide circulation patterns between developments.” One of the goals for the downtown area in the Comp Plan states: "As the market permits, provide circulator transit services connecting the City Center area to the remainder of Richfield." The plan for the I-494 corridor (p. 4-9) “envisions the evolution of a strip freeway corridor into a complete community that features a range of housing types, shops, services, entertainment and amenities. The proposed land use pattern for the area is described as an urban village, an area of multiple story buildings that are more densely developed than the surrounding neighborhoods achieving a greater mix of land uses and more pedestrian activity.” This complete neighborhood philosophy permeates the City's plans for its major commercial areas.
Melissa Poehlman (City staff) | MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619766
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:Melissa Poehlman (City Staff) | mpoehlman@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619766
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:The City hired private consultants for the development of the Comp Plan and for master plans like the Bicycle Master Plan. These consultants also helped facilitate the stakeholder-involvement processes.
Melissa Poehlman (City staff) | MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619766
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:Melissa Poehlman (City staff) | MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619766
Have a downtown zoning district that emphasizes small and destination business, entrepreneurial spaces, and allows or requires residential and residential-compatible commercial development.
- Action 5:Richfield's downtown in the vicinity of Lyndale Ave. and 66th St. is zoned primarily for commercial and medium-to-high density residential.
Lakes at Lyndale Connectivity Plan was completed, approved, and is being implemented.
Melissa Poehlman (City staff) | MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619766
Incorporate form-based zoning approaches into the zoning code, in those areas where a diverse mix of uses is desired.
- Action 6:Melissa Poehlman (City staff) | MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619766
Efficient Highway- and Auto-Oriented Development {BP no.9}
Establish design goals for at least one highway/auto-oriented corridor/cluster.
- Action 1:Jack Broz (City staff) | jbroz@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619792
Participate in regional economic development planning with representatives from surrounding townships, cities, the county and business interests to:
- Action 2:Melissa Poehlman (City staff) | MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619766
Adopt development policies for large-format developments, zoning for auto-oriented commercial districts at the sub-urban edge and/or in tightly defined and smaller urban development corridors/nodes that have some bike/walk/transit access.
- Action 4:Amy Markle (City staff) | amarkle@richfieldmn.gov | 612-861-9394
Design for Natural Resource Conservation {BP no.10}
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.
- Action 1:Neither the Zoning Code nor its subdivision section have minimum standards for the protection of high quality open space. However, virtually all of the natural areas and high quality open spaces are already protected in public parks.
Amy Markle (City staff) | amarkle@richfieldmn.gov | 612-861-9394
For cities within metropolitan areas, incorporate woodland best management practices addressing protection of wooded areas into zoning or development review.
- Action 3:Melissa Poehlman (City staff) | MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619766
Transportation
Living & Complete Streets {BP no.11}
Adopt a complete streets policy, or a living streets policy, which addresses landscaping and stormwater.
- Action 1:Olivia Wycklendt (City Staff) | owycklendt@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619789
Modify a street in compliance with the city's complete streets policy.
- Action 3:76th Street was reduced from 4 lanes of concrete to 2 lanes of asphalt. The ROW from the 4 lanes was used to add bike lanes, sidewalks, multi-purpose trail, green boulevards on both sides of the roadway and boulevard trees on both sides.
In 2011, the City reconstructed 75th Street from Xerxes Avenue to Humboldt Avenue. The design replaced the old asphalt roadway with a new streetscape with the following features: Two asphalt vehicle lanes, on-street bike lanes, concrete sidewalk on the south side, Three Rivers Park Regional Trail on the north side, boulevards and boulevard trees.
Jack Broz (City staff) | jbroz@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619792
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.
- Action 4:The City's Capital Improvement Budget/Plan programs funding for improvements consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, the Bicycle Master Plan, and the safe routes to school plan. Although the four freeways in the City pose significant challenges, the City built the following: A pedestrian bridge at 73rd St. over I-35W, 76 St. trail on north side of I-35W, and a pedestrian underpass of I-35W at 66 St.
Jack Broz (City staff) | jbroz@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619792
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:Roundabouts: 4 on 66th St. and 3-5 proposed in future projects.
Richfield’s Guiding Principles used in every transportation project emphasize multi-modal design as the community’s top priority – a concept also seen in internal planning practices which start with land use considerations and then, in order, pedestrian, transit, bicycle, and vehicle performance measures. This is seen in the recent 66th Street construction which now has:
• Safer roads with raised concrete medians
• New turn lanes in key areas
• New sidewalks and trails with a boulevard buffer
• New paths to use when bicycling
• Better stormwater management
• Improved accessibility for people with disabilities
Jack Broz (City staff) | jbroz@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619792
Mobility Options {BP no.12}
Increase walking, biking and transit use by one or more of the following means:
- Action 1:Jack Broz (City staff) | jbroz@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619792
Implement workplace multi-modal transportation best management practices - including telework/flexwork - in city government, businesses or at a local health care provider.
- Action 5:Jamie Haefner (City Staff) | jhaefner@richfieldmn.gov | 612-861-9704
Efficient City Fleets {BP no.13}
Efficiently use your existing fleet of city vehicles by encouraging trip bundling, video conferencing, carpooling, vehicle sharing and incentives/technology.
- Action 1:Chris Link (City staff) | clink@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619174
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:Chris Link (City staff) | clink@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619174
Phase-in operational changes, equipment changes including electric vehicles, and no-idling practices for city or local transit fleets.
- Action 3:Chris Link (City staff) | clink@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619174
Demand-Side Travel Planning {BP no.14}
Reduce or eliminate parking minimums; add parking maximums; develop district parking; install meters and charge for parking at curb and city-owned lots/ramps.
- Action 1:Melissa Poehlman (City staff) | MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619766
For cities with regular transit service, require or provide incentives for the siting of retail services at transit/density nodes.
- Action 2:Melissa Poehlman (City staff) | MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619766
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:Melissa Poehlman (City staff) | MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619766
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:Kumud Verma (City Staff) | kverma@richfieldmn.gov | 612-861-9723
Set minimum sustainability standards to reduce the impact of your concrete use, asphalt, roadbed aggregate, or other construction materials.
- Action 5:Olivia Wycklendt (City Staff) | owycklendt@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619789
Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}
Certify as a Tree City USA.
- Action 1:The City has an annual tree budget of $18 per resident and publicizes financial and other benefits through the Tree City USA website.
Chris Link (City staff) | clink@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619174
Budget for and achieve resilient urban canopy/tree planting goals.
- Action 3:The Parks and Trails chapter of the Comprehensive Plan does not include a tree canopy goal. The City's overall canopy is about 25%. The residential canopy is about 70%.
Chris Link (City staff) | clink@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619174
Maximize tree planting along your main downtown street or throughout the city.
- Action 4:The City planted 700 trees on both sides of 76th St. reconstruction project. It is common practice on street projects to landscape with tree planting.
Chris Link (City staff) | clink@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619174
Build community capacity to protect existing trees by one or more of:
- Action 6:The City has had an EAB comprehensive prep/response plan in place since 2009. Since then, forestry team members are actively treating boulevard ash trees with products to prevent the infestation of Emerald Ash Borer consistent with the City's EAB Management Plan. City staff treated the 300+ oak trees at Augsburg Park to control the native pest, the two-lined chestnut borer. Tree variety has been diversified, especially because of climate change and pest/disease reasons.
Chris Link (City staff) | clink@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619174
Stormwater Management {BP no.17}
Adopt by ordinance one or more of the following stormwater infiltration/management strategies to reduce impervious surface:
- Action 3:In addition to the reference to the City Code, four other plans, ordinances, and organizations are in place in the City to manage stormwater: The Richfield Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP), two watershed district organizations and plans (Nine Mile Creek and Minnehaha Creek watershed districts), and the Richfield / Bloomington Water Management Organization.
Patrick Martin (City staff) | pmartin@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619797
Create a stormwater utility that uses variable fees to incentivize stormwater infiltration, minimize the volume of and pollutants in runoff, and educate property owners and renters on the importance of managing stormwater runoff.
- Action 4:On some redevelopments, the City offers incentives depending on what is being done on-site. This is determined on a case-by-case basis. For other developments, the City recommends that on-site BMP’s be installed, such as grit chambers or sump manholes, and then enters into a maintenance agreement where the City takes over the yearly maintenance and bills it back to the owner.
Patrick Martin (City staff) | pmartin@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619797
Parks and Trails {BP no.18}
Make improvements within your city's system of parks, offroad trails and open spaces.
- Action 1:Amy Markle (City staff) | amarkle@richfieldmn.gov | 612-861-9394
Plan and budget for a network of parks, green spaces, water features and trails for areas where new development is planned.
- Action 2:Amy Markle (City staff) | amarkle@richfieldmn.gov | 612-861-9394
Achieve minimum levels of city green space and maximize the percent within a ten-minute walk of community members.
- Action 3:Amy Markle (City staff) | amarkle@richfieldmn.gov | 612-861-9394
Create park/city land management standards/practices that maximize at least one of the following:
- Action 5:The second study with the U of M looked at improving fishing and recreational opportunities at Taft Lake. With a grant from the Minnehaha Watershed District, Legion Lake and Taft Lake are working to reduce nitrates, flocculation and infiltration systems. Three watersheds: Minnehaha via pipes from Taft Lake to Nokomis. Improve as a fishery with help of DNR. Very deep and accessible.
Amy Markle (City staff) | amarkle@richfieldmn.gov | 612-861-9394
Document that the operation and maintenance, or construction / remodeling, of at least one park building used an asset management tool, the SB 2030 energy standard, or a green building framework.
- Action 7:The City installed rooftop solar panels on its Wood Lake Nature Center and a grey water system for City Hall.
The Wood Lake Nature Center includes an interactive display that offers a variety of educational screens about the benefits of solar energy and how the system operates. It also describes the power output of the system in terms of the electrical demands of everyday electrical appliances.
Amy Markle (City staff) | amarkle@richfieldmn.gov | 612-861-9394
Develop a program to involve community members in hands-on land restoration, invasive species management and stewardship projects.
- Action 8:Paul Smithson (City Staff) | psmithson@richfieldmn.gov | 612-861-9366
Surface Water {BP no.19}
Adopt and publicly report on measurable surface water improvement targets for lake, river, wetland and ditches.
- Action 3:Patrick Martin (City staff) | pmartin@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619797
Implement an existing TMDL implementation plan.
- Action 6:A small part of Richfield is part of the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District. The watershed district published a TMDL report in 2010 stating that cities must reduce salt application rates by 62%. The first step was staff training that was provided by the watershed district. From there the City made the following changes to reduce the amount of salt applied to streets:
• Calibration of salters
• Apply salt according to pavement temp
• Using alternative types of salt
Patrick Martin (City staff) | pmartin@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619797
Efficient Water and Wastewater Systems {BP no.20}
Plan and budget for motor maintenance and upgrades to assure the most energy efficient, durable and appropriate equipment is available when upgrades or breakdowns occur.
- Action 2:Our SCADA system was replaced in 2012; we use the trending mechanism to track flows and amperage which allows us to see fluctuations and address them before they become issues.
In 2004, we completed a compressor study. From the study it was determined our 3 current (25hp) compressors were oversized and not efficient. We then worked with Xcel Energy on a customized replacement plan and we now have 3 15hp, high-efficiency compressors.
In 2009, we completed an energy assessment in conjunction with Xcel Energy. From the assessment we implemented the following: 1) Installed motions sensors throughout the water plant. 2) Replaced light bulbs with 28w, down from the 32w. 3) Replacing fixtures with LED ones.
Russ Lupkes (City staff) | rlupkes@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619175
Optimize energy and chemical use at drinking water/wastewater facilities and decrease chloride in wastewater discharges.
- Action 4:Russ Lupkes (City staff) | rlupkes@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619175
Create a demand-side pricing program to reduce demands on water and wastewater systems.
- Action 7:Russ Lupkes (City staff) | rlupkes@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619175
Sustainable Consumption and Waste {BP no.22}
Improve city operations and procurement to prevent and reuse, recycle and compost waste from all public facilities (including libraries, parks, schools, municipal health care facilities), and minimize use of toxics and generation of hazardous waste.
- Action 1:When Public Works sweeps City streets, the leaves collected are donated to Fort Snelling National Cemetery, which uses the leaves to prepare for its winter operations. This helps both the cemetery and the City, as it allows Richfield to dispose of its leaves at no cost and ensures as many leaves as possible are kept out of the stormwater system.
Chris Link (City staff) | clink@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619174
Address concerns over consumer products and packaging through encouragement/implementation of one or more of:
- Action 2:Paul Smithson (City Staff) | psmithson@richfieldmn.gov | 612-861-9366
Arrange for a residential and/or business/institutional source-separated organics collection/management program.
- Action 5:Rachel Lindholm (City Staff) | rlindholm@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619188
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.
- Action 7:Rachel Lindholm (City Staff) | rlindholm@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619188
Local Air Quality {BP no.23}
Reduce residential burning of wood and yard waste and eliminate ‘backyard’ trash burning.
- Action 2:Mike Dobesh (City Staff) | mdobesh@richfieldmn.gov | (612) 243-4502
Decrease air emissions from vehicle idling, gasoline filling stations, business trucking, and pollutants/noise from stationary engines/back-up generators.
- Action 3:Jennifer Anderson (City staff) | jenniferanderson@richfieldmn.gov | 612-861-9881
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:Amy Markle (City staff) | amarkle@richfieldmn.gov | 612-861-9394
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:The first section of the City's Capital Improvement Budget and Plan includes a listing of the goals and policies of the Richfield Comprehensive Plan. Later sections describes the consistency with these goals and policies for every project to be funded.
Amy Markle (City staff) | amarkle@richfieldmn.gov | 612-861-9394
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:Rachel Lindholm (City Staff) | rlindholm@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619188
Public Education for Action: Conduct or support a broad sustainability education and action campaign, building on existing community relationships, networks & events involving:
- Action 4:Julie Urban (City staff) | jurban@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619777
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:Melissa Poehlman (City Staff) | mpoehlman@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619766
Strengthen value-added businesses utilizing local "waste" material.
- Action 4:Chris Link (City staff) | clink@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619174
Conduct or participate in a buy local campaign for community members and local businesses.
- Action 7:Paul Smithson (City Staff) | psmithson@richfieldmn.gov | 612-861-9366
Renewable Energy {BP no.26}
Adopt wind energy and/or biomass ordinances that allow, enable, or encourage appropriate renewable energy installations.
- Action 1:Students from the U of M prepared a study of the City’s zoning code with a focus on providing recommendations based on the feasibility of four environmentally sustainable practices identified as high priority by city officials in Richfield: residential wind energy, solar panels, green roofs/roof gardens, and rain gardens.
Melissa Poehlman (City staff) | MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619766
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:Chris Link (City staff) | clink@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619174
Report installed private sector-owned renewable energy/energy efficient generation capacity with at least one of the following attributes:
- Action 6:Russ Lupkes (City staff) | rlupkes@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619175
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:Section 905.37 and section 906 of the city code addresses maintenance of fowl/birds and beekeeping, respectively.
Melissa Poehlman (City staff) | MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619766
Create, assist with and promote local food production/distribution within the city:
- Action 3:Bonnie Hanna-Powers (City staff) | BHannapowers@richfieldmn.gov | 612-861-9362
Measurably increase institutional buying and sales of foods and fibers that are local, Minnesota-grown, organic, healthy, humanely raised, and grown by fairly compensated growers.
- Action 4:Bonnie Hanna-Powers (City staff) | BHannapowers@richfieldmn.gov | 612-861-9362
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:As part of our emergency operations plan for the city we have several established shelters located throughout the city. These primarily consist of churches, schools, and some private businesses. These shelters have been used in exercises to practice sheltering of the public and training for our staff and our Community Emergency Response Team, (CERT). We have these Shelters set up to be sustainable for two weeks with supplies and availability for additional supplies until we can move people to more of long term housing.
Jay Henthorne (City staff) | jhenthorne@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619828