City Detail

Background Information

City of Royalton
County: Morrison,Benton
Population: 1281
GreenStep City category: B
Full-time equivalent city staff (approx.): 6
Participating township, county, school:

GreenStep Coordinator

Leah Walberg
City Staff
clerk@royaltonmn.com
320-584-5900
City web page relating to sustainability/GreenStep activities:
www.royaltonmn.com
GreenStep City resolution: Click here to view the file.
GreenStep City status and date: STEP 2 ( )

City Assessment Files and City Performance Metrics

City councils pass a resolution to join the GreenStep program and are recognized at Step 1. Step 2 and Step 3 recognition levels reflect completed city actions, reported and rated below with stars (1 star = good, 2 stars = better, 3 stars = best). The Assessment File below summarizes completed city actions in a short Word file. Step 4 recognition is awarded to cities who report a minimum number of core metrics for the previous calendar year. These metrics aim to show the aggregate, quantitative results of taking multiple GreenStep actions. Step 5 cities show improvement in the Step 4 metrics. See yearly data for Steps 4&5. Additional city data can be found by reviewing information on B3 Benchmarking and Regional Indicators Initiative.

Assessment File
2023 - click to view assessment

Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed

Completed actions are denoted by stars.

Total completed actions: 35
1 star actions: 17
2 star actions: 9
3 star actions: 9

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:
We entered the electric and natural gas usage for all city buildings from 2007-2010 as well as square footage and other pertinent information for each site.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Out total kwh/yr for city hall showed a 9.6% decrease from 2007 to 2010. Our Fire Hall showed a 14.6% decrease in kwh/yr, and the Public Works building had a 16.9% decrease in kwh/yr
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.mnbenchmarking.com
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229
1 star - Action 2:

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

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Royalton installed motion sensor lights for the breakroom and bathrooms in city hall and installed programmable thermostat for our city hall.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The bathroom and breakroom lights are not on unless someone comes into the room which saves energy. The programmable thermostat keeps the temperature in the council chamber at 63 degrees when we are not using the room.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229
2 star - Action 3:

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

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
After doing an energy audit of all city buildings the city chose to make energy upgrades (relamp/retrofit) in all buildings. We could have saved money by not doing the cold storage building (least energy savings)but we chose to do all buildings and take the total energy savings.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Work was completed before 12/31/10 so we will have a full year of data to check on our energy savings.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229

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:
Implementation details:
The City of Royalton is participating in a pilot project with its utility provider, MN Power, in a Community Energy Challenge. The challenge is two part: Learn & Earn that works with the Royalton School District to help students learn about energy efficiency and get parents/neighbors/etc to do home energy audits, install more efficient lighting and at the same time earn money for their school. For each home energy audit completed, the school received $10. The program worked with our the Royalton Lumber and Hardware by having them carry LED bulbs, LED Christmas lights and keep track of the purchases. For every LED light purchased during that time, the school earned $2. It was a great success and the event involved the elementary as well as middle school/high school students.

The Community Energy Challenge also brought Franklin Energy into local businesses and non-profits to provide energy upgrades in the form of faucet aerators, bulb replacements, and devices that cut down on the energy used in small refrigeration units for local bars. The company completed 25 energy visits and 20 energy reports for the project.

We are in the final stage of the challenge and it involves getting all city departments (council/commissions/boards/non-profits/etc) to do what the students did. Our challenge will include picking up refrigerators that residents have replaced with new, more efficient models. We earn the same dollar amounts for the city for home energy audits completed and new LED bulbs purchased. At the end of the program we are working with the school to do a Green Fair to celebrate the event. The Green Fair will showcase the efforts of students/school and city departments (i.e. Tree Board).
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The Learn and Earn has netted the school $1,000 to be used for field trips for elementary/middle/high school students.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
MN Power Company, Royalton School District
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229
1 star - Action 5:

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Royalton updated its water Ordinance 6.04 in 2015 to include water conservation measures. We did this because we are installing a new well and water treatment plant in 2015 and the ordinance upgrade was required by DNR.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Residents know what water conservation methods the city will require and when those conservation measures will be enacted.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
DNR
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229
1 star - Action 6:

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city is also participating in the Small Cities Development Program to assist local businesses and residents to make energy upgrades (roofing, siding, windows, insulation, new furnaces, etc.). We partnered with the cities of Little Falls and Pierz so a total of 21 homes and 9 businesses in the area can make their homes/businesses more energy efficient. Some of the money is a 0% loan, some 1% and another portion is up to the business/home owner. Money repaid goes into a revolving loan fund in the city to help others make energy improvements.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The 1% loan on the commercial buildings comes back to the cities as a revolving loan for the purpose of future energy upgrades for other businesses in the cities. It complements the existing revolving loan funds the cities offer to its businesses.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229

Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals {BP no.4}

3 star - Action 1:

Require energy efficient, Dark-Sky compliant new or replacement outdoor lighting fixtures on city-owned/private buildings and facilities.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Royalton is committed to achieving "dark sky" compliance for its city and as a result the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council have adopted an ordinance requiring lighting to be "dark sky" compliant
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The ordinance is in place and future lighting in the city (residential, commercial and street lighting) will comply with this ordinance.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Planning & Zoning Commission
3 star - Action 2:

Purchase LEDs for all future street lighting and traffic signals.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
The City of Royalton worked with MN Power to install LED street lights throughout the city to comply with our Outdoor Lighting ordinance
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
All street lights within the city are compliant with the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.royaltonmn.com/vertical/sites/%7BF29AE369-80CF-4CFB-BE87-851B6F04B18E%7D/uploads/Lighting__Ord._51.pdf
MN Power
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229
3 star - Action 3:

Replace the city's existing street lighting with Dark Sky-compliant LEDs, modifying any city franchise/utility agreement and adding smart grid attributes.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
All street lights within the City of Royalton are LED lights and meet our Outdoor Lighting ordinance for being Dark Sky compliant
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
All street lights within the City are LED and compliant with city Ordinance.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.royaltonmn.com/vertical/sites/%7BF29AE369-80CF-4CFB-BE87-851B6F04B18E%7D/uploads/Lighting__Ord._51.pdf
MN Power
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229
3 star - Action 6:

Relamp/improve exterior building lighting for city-owned buildings/facilities with energy efficient, Dark-Sky compliant lighting.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
City of Royalton relamped the exterior lighting for all city buildings with LED lights that comply with the Outdoor Lighting ordinance.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
All city buildings meet the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.royaltonmn.com/vertical/sites/%7BF29AE369-80CF-4CFB-BE87-851B6F04B18E%7D/uploads/Lighting__Ord._51.pdf
MN Power
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:
The City of Royalton replaced the incandescant lights in our traffic light with LED lights. The incandescent bulbs were 150 watts and the new LED lights are 10 watts. The change in lights saves the city approximately $1000/year. The city has only one set of traffic lights so all traffic lights in the city are LEDs!!
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Replacing incandescant lamps with LED saved the city half the cost for operating per month. The City received a $2,000 rebate from MN Power to help pay for the new traffic lights.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229

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: 2018
Implementation details:
The City of Royalton has a Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the goal of the city council is to update the plan to include the new parks recently added to the city and establishment of new well to replace older/less efficient well(s)
In 2018 the Comprehensive Land Use Plan was updated to include new goals for the City.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2018-2028 was completed in 2018. It establishes goals in the following areas: Commercial & Industrial Land Use, Growth and Annexation, and Transportation, Community Facilities & Service Plans.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
https://www.royaltonmn.com/vertical/sites/%7BF29AE369-80CF-4CFB-BE87-851B6F04B18E%7D/uploads/Comp_Plan_2018-2028.pdf
MN DOT
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229
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: 2018
Implementation details:
The City of Royalton updated its Comprehensive Land Use Plan which contains updated zoning information to include: single/muti-family dwellings, highway commercial, industrial and business districts.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The Zoning Ordinance is being updated to reflect the Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2018-2028.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
https://www.royaltonmn.com/vertical/sites/%7BF29AE369-80CF-4CFB-BE87-851B6F04B18E%7D/uploads/Comp_Plan_2018-2028.pdf
Royalton Planning & Zoning Commission
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229
1 star - Action 3:

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
The City of Royalton adopted its Wellhead Protection in 2007 and has completed Phase 1 of the revised plan in 2019. The City will work with MN Department of Health to complete Phase 2 work on a new Wellhead Protection Plan.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The Wellhead Protection Plan is part of the overall land use plan to preserve and protect our natural resources and provide citizens with clean, safe water.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.royaltonmn.com/vertical/sites/%7BF29AE369-80CF-4CFB-BE87-851B6F04B18E%7D/uploads/Royalton_Wellhead_Part_2_Final.pdf
MN Department of Health
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229

Transportation Transportation

Mobility Options {BP no.12}

1 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: 2017
Implementation details:
Our City completed its Safe Routes to School project in 2017 by adding six blocks of sidewalk from the south end of the city to the Elementary School. The project was done in coordination with Morrison County. The County added ped ramps to the sidewalks, painted crosswalks and we installed a ped crossing at the intersection of Centre and Driftwood Streets so children can safely cross that intersection. The city also added three electronic speed signs on entrances to the city and near the High School
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The goal of the Safe Routes to School is to provide sidewalks and ped crossings to make it safer for children to walk and bike to school. The other benefit is many adults also use the sidewalks when walking pets or just enjoying walking and biking in the city.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Royalton Public School, Morrison County
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229
2 star - Action 3:

Prominently promote mobility options: public transit; paratransit/Dial-A-Ride; cab services; rental cars; bike lanes; trails; airports.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
The City of Royalton is assisting Morrison County Tri Cap and Horizon Health to promote Dial-A-Ride for residents in Royalton. Elderly that no longer drive need transportation to the doctor, pharmacy and grocery in Little Falls (10 miles from our city). Fliers are placed in public places to inform residents of this service.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Elderly and/or disabled individuals will use the service.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Morrison County Tri Cap, Horizon Health
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229

Environmental Management Environmental Management

Sustainable Purchasing {BP no.15}

3 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: 2017
Implementation details:
We provide the flier to locally owned businesses for them to share with their customers and encourage city departments to shop local unless the item needed is not available locally.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Keeping our local businesses viable.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
https://www.royaltonmn.com/vertical/sites/%7BF29AE369-80CF-4CFB-BE87-851B6F04B18E%7D/uploads/Lighting__Ord._51.pdf
Local businesses
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229
1 star - Action 7:

Lower the environmental footprint of meetings and events in the city.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Royalton City Council approved the purchase of tablets for the Council and Planning & Zoning to enable both groups to go paperless for their meetings.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Time saved by staff is three hours per month just for collating the member packets. Several reams of paper per year saved so there is a positive impact on the budget.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:

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 of Royalton is in its 11th year as a Tree City USA city. Our Tree Board does an excellent job of planting and maintaining the trees in our city.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229
2 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: 2019
Implementation details:
The City of Royalton Tree Management Plan 2019 text is written and budget information will be used for the 2020 budget year. Emerald Ash Borer has been found in a neighboring county and the Tree Management Plan is used to help the city budget for treatment of infected trees or removal based on recommendations from the MN Department of Agriculture.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Using guidance from the Tree Management Plan we will budget $5/ash tree for treatment of infestation of EAB and $2,000/ash tree for removal. The goal is to establish which trees are healthiest to save and to remove trees that are showing signs of EAB.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
MN Department of Agriculture and Tree Board
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229
3 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: 2019
Implementation details:
Our Tree Board in conjunction with the U of M completed a survey of all trees in Royalton and established a gravel bed nursery to provide trees for the community. Two of the board members are MN Certified Tree Inspectors and monitor emerald ash borer activity in the city.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The tree survey helped identify trees that were possibly infected with emerald ash borer. The Tree Management Plan 2019 addresses the number of ash trees in the city (on public and private property) and based on the health of the tree budget $5/tree for treatment and $2,000/tree for removal. The tree survey done in 2010 is the basis for the number of ash trees in the city. When infected ash trees are removed, we will work with the MN Department of Agriculture to determine what species should be planted.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.royaltonmn.com/vertical/sites/%7BF29AE369-80CF-4CFB-BE87-851B6F04B18E%7D/uploads/March_April__2013.pdf
U of M Profess Gary Johnson Urban and Community Forestry; MN Department of Agriculture
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229

Stormwater Management {BP no.17}

1 star - Action 3:

Adopt by ordinance one or more of the following stormwater infiltration/management strategies to reduce impervious surface:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
Adopted a Storm Water Management Ordinance to set forth the minimum requirements for storm water management that will diminish threats to public health, safety, public and private property and natural resources of the community.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The ordinance is used to guide the Comprehensive Land Use Plan for the city as well as the ongoing Capital Improvement Plan which addresses storm water issues
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.royaltonmn.com/vertical/sites/%7BF29AE369-80CF-4CFB-BE87-851B6F04B18E%7D/uploads/ordinance_54_(2).pdf
city engineer, Morrison County Soil and Water Conservation District
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229
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:
When the Royalton School District removed a building to install a parking lot, the City of Royalton specified thathree rain gardens be installed to handle the storm water runoff
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The rain gardens have helped reduce the amount of storm water runoff from the parking lot. The neighbors in the area were concerned about the possible increase in runoff when the parking lot was installed, but the raingardens have taken care of that concern.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.royaltonmn.com/vertical/sites/%7BF29AE369-80CF-4CFB-BE87-851B6F04B18E%7D/uploads/2012_September_October.pdf
Master Gardener Pat Libke helped with the project

Parks and Trails {BP no.18}

2 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:
Master Sidewalk and Trails Plan identifies gaps in current sidewalks, where new sidewalks are needed to connect residents to school/churches and determines where trails are to be added to connect to the regional Soo Line Trail.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The Plan was used in applying for the Safe Routes to School grant and we are funded for FY 2017 for this project.
The cities of Pierz and Royalton applied for a grant from the Initiative Foundation to do a Master Sidewalk & Trails Plan for both cities and when funded, worked with an engineering firm to do the plan. We then applied to the Central Regional Development Partnership (U of M) to have a student do a survey of the trail system and report back to both cities.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://www.royaltonmn.com/vertical/sites/%7BF29AE369-80CF-4CFB-BE87-851B6F04B18E%7D/uploads/March_April__2013.pdf;
City of Pierz, Initiative Foundation, Central Regional Development Partnership and SEH Engineering
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229
1 star - Action 2:

Plan and budget for a network of parks, green spaces, water features and trails for areas where new development is planned.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Royalton has completed a Skateboard Park and is working on a walking path along the Platte River. The city is also in the process of establishing a Splash Park in the city. The city has park dedication land that was used for the Skateboard Park and also the Splash Park. Any new development must include park dedication land or money.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The Skateboard Park is complete and the Splash Park is currently fundraising to match funds the city gave to the project.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229
1 star - Action 8:

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

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Royalton is a Tree City USA city and has an active Tree Board. The board is establishing a tree nursery at our sewer ponds and are working with the Splash Park committee to landscape the area for the Splash Park
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229

Sustainable Consumption and Waste {BP no.22}

3 star - Action 6:

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

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Royalton contract with Waste Manangement to pick up solid waste and provide recycling for its residents. Residents can choose from bags to carts for their garbage and recycling is made easy because the residents do not have to separate the recyclables. The city publishes the dates for garbage and recycling pick up in its newsletter and on its web site. www.royaltonmn.com
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The City of Royalton partners with Waste Management to ensure that every household in the city has garbage and recycling pick up. Waste Management provides the carts/bags and the city does the billing. Waste Management sets the route to be sure to use the most efficient/gas saving route for pick up.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229

Local Air Quality {BP no.23}

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:
ORDINANCE NO. 49

AN ORDINANCE REGULATING AND CONTROLLING THE USE OF OUTDOOR ACCESSORY BOILERS WITHIN THE CITY OF ROYALTON.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF ROYALTON HEREBY ORDAINS:


SECTION 1. Accessory Boilers.
A. An "Accessory Boiler" is defined as an accessory structure or an addition to the exterior of an existing structure which contains a firebox and is designed to heat a structure or provide hot water through conveyance of heated fluids or gasses.
B. The only Accessory Boilers allowed in the City of Royalton shall burn corn or the fuel must be documented to meet an EPA limit of 3.75 grams per hour or less.
C. To further protect emission standards these fuels can not be burned in accessory boilers:
1. Household garbage and cardboard.
2. Plastics, colored ink on magazines, boxes and wrappers.
3. Coated, painted or pressure treated wood.
4. Driftwood, plywood, particle board, or any wood product containing glue.
5. Wet, rotted, diseased or moldy wood.

SECTION 2. Non-Conforming Use.

A. The lawful use of any existing wood burning accessory boiler unit existing at the time of the effective date of this ordinance may be continued.
B. No pre-existing, non-conforming wood burning accessory boiler unit shall hereafter be extended, enlarged, expanded, or replaced.

SECTION 3. Set backs

A. All outdoor accessory boilers shall be set back from buildings and property lines in accordance with the state building code.

SECTION 4. Fees and permits

A. Any person installing an accessory boiler shall first show documentation meeting the requirements of this ordinance and pay a verification fee to the City Clerk. Fee to be set by the City Council and may be changed from time to time by resolution by the Royalton City Council.
B. All accessory boilers need a mechanical permit from the building inspector for the City of Royalton.

SECTION 5. Violation.
Any person who violates any of the provisions of this ordinance shall, upon conviction thereof, be guilty of a misdemeanor. Each day that a violation is permitted to exist shall constitute a separate offense.

THIS ORDINANCE SHALL SUPERSEDE AND REPEAL ALL PRIOR AND CONSISTENT ORDINANCES. THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE EFFECTIVE UPON PASSAGE AND PUBLICATION REQUIRED BY LAW.

DATED: 10-21-08
CLERK: Carol Madsen
MAYOR: Andrea Lauer




Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The goal of this ordinance is to set EPA limits on the emission standards for accessory boilers within the city of Royalton
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Ordinance #34 Accessory Boilers
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229

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:
Implementation details:
A GreenStep City report detailing what Best Practices the city has completed/working on to keep area residents aware of our progress.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The report provides a list of the Best Practices as well as areas to work on in the future.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Betsy Gerads and Brenda Rian
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229
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:
Implementation details:
As part of our overall renewable energy education for our community, we include a Royalton GreenStep section to our city newsletter.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
By letting community members know what the city is doing to reduce/conserve energy usage we also encourage citizens to make wise energy decisions for their homes/businesses.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229
1 star - Action 5:

Planning with a Purpose: Conduct a community visioning and planning initiative that engages a diverse set of community members & stakeholders and uses a sustainability, resilience, or environmental justice framework such as:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
In March the city began adding a GreenStep Royalton to its city newsletter as a way to educate residents about energy efficiency measures the city is taking and offer ways for residents to adopt a green lifestyle also.
The City held a visioning session in preparation for the re-write of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2018-2028. Information from the sessions are included in the plan.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
More people are aware that Royalton is a GreenStep City and understand how they too can make energy efficient changes in their homes/businesses.
More people provided guidance and input for the comprehensive plan 2018-2028
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
https://www.royaltonmn.com/vertical/sites/%7BF29AE369-80CF-4CFB-BE87-851B6F04B18E%7D/uploads/Comp_Plan_2018-2028.pdf
Royalton community members
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229

Green Business Development {BP no.25}

2 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:
Implementation details:
The City of Royalton is participating in a pilot project with its utility provider, MN Power, in a Community Energy Challenge. The challenge is two part: Learn & Earn that works with the Royalton School District to help students learn about energy efficiency and get parents/neighbors/etc to do home energy audits, install more efficient lighting and at the same time earn money for their school. For each home energy audit completed, the school received $10. The program worked with our the Royalton Lumber and Hardware by having them carry LED bulbs, LED Christmas lights and keep track of the purchases. For every LED light purchased during that time, the school earned $2. It was a great success and the event involved the elementary as well as middle school/high school students.

The Community Energy Challenge also brought Franklin Energy into local businesses and non-profits to provide energy upgrades in the form of faucet aerators, bulb replacements, and devices that cut down on the energy used in small refrigeration units for local bars. The company completed 25 energy visits and 20 energy reports for the project.

We are in the final stage of the challenge and it involves getting all city departments (council/commissions/boards/non-profits/etc) to do what the students did. Our challenge will include picking up refrigerators that residents have replaced with new, more efficient models. We earn the same dollar amounts for the city for home energy audits completed and new LED bulbs purchased. At the end of the program we are working with the school to do a Green Fair to celebrate the event. The Green Fair will showcase the efforts of students/school and city departments (i.e. Tree Board).
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Businesses, non-profit organizations, and residents have learned more about energy efficiency by getting energy audits completed, replacing outdated lighting with new LED lights, adding low-flow water devices, and energy efficient additions to current refrigeration models. The program also included a Learn and Earn to help students in elementary, middle and high school learn more about energy efficiency.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229

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:
Implementation details:
In April, 2013 the city approved an addition to its Zoning Ordinance to include a section entitled Alternative Energy Ordinance. It includes solar, wind, and biomass.
Our Planning & Zoning are working on incorporating solar and geothermal energy into our Zoning Ordinance and have some preliminary language ready for the council to review at the May 8, 2012 council meeting.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The city felt that since we have solar panels on the roof of city hall we should have an ordinance in place to encourage businesses and individuals to include alternative energy options when making changes to their buildings.

Renewable energy is becoming more desireable and our Zoning Ordinance needs to reflect how the city will incorporate solar and geothermal into our city ordinance.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.royaltonmn.com/vertical/sites/%7BF29AE369-80CF-4CFB-BE87-851B6F04B18E%7D/uploads/Zoning_Ordiance_16.01_rvsd_4-2-13.pdf
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229
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:
Implementation details:
The City of Royalton received the Local Government Renewable Energy Grant from the Office of Energy Secutiry to install a 7.5kw solar panel system on the roof of its city hall. The system is now fully operational and we can track the number of KWH produced by the panels. We will monitor and report to our citizens on a monthly basis starting in January 2012
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
We track the number of KWH produced on a monthly basis. We found that the inverter was not working and are having it replaced/repaired (May 7, 2012)
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://mn.gov/commerce/energy/topics/resources/Success-Stories/Cities-Counties-Schools/royalton_city_hall.jsp
TenKsolar; Rural Renewable Energy Alliance; Sundial Solar
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229

Local Food {BP no.27}

2 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: 2010
Implementation details:
The City of Royalton allows residents to raise chickens in the city. Many residents like the idea of having fresh eggs. Permits are granted on a year by year basis depending on how the resident maintains the area.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Residents know that animal permits are available for them to apply to raise chickens or other animals such as rabbits.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.royaltonmn.com/vertical/sites/%7BF29AE369-80CF-4CFB-BE87-851B6F04B18E%7D/uploads/Animal_Permit.pdf