City Detail

Background Information

City of Saint James
County: Watonwan
Population: 4793
GreenStep City category: B
Full-time equivalent city staff (approx.): 39
Participating township, county, school:

GreenStep Coordinator

Brianna Sanders
City Staff
brianna.sanders@ci.stjames.mn.us
507-375-3241
City web page relating to sustainability/GreenStep activities:
https://www.ci.stjames.mn.us/
GreenStep City resolution: Click here to view the file.
GreenStep City status and date: STEP 3 ( )

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

Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed

Completed actions are denoted by stars.

Total completed actions: 25
1 star actions: 12
2 star actions: 7
3 star actions: 6

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: 2023
Implementation details:
The City of St. James has entered the energy usage for the city-owned buildings into the Benchmarking database. The energy usage has been entered for at least 12 months. The Utility Clerk will continue to enter the energy usage on a quarterly basis. A city committee will review the energy trends and suggest any needed operational changes.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Brianna Sanders (City Staff) | brianna.sanders@ci.stjames.mn.us | 507-375-1289
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: 2023
Implementation details:
The City of St. James upgraded the lighting system to LED lights in the new City Hall building in January 2023 before moving operations into the building in February 2023. Out of the 13 city-owned buildings, the City has upgraded 11 of the buildings to LED lights.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Brianna Sanders (City Staff) | brianna.sanders@ci.stjames.mn.us | 507-375-1289

Efficient Existing Private Buildings {BP no.2}

1 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: 2012
Implementation details:
St. James Public Utilities partners with Missouri River Energy Services to provide rebates for lighting, heating and cooling, etc. through the Bright Energy Solutions program. St. James Public Utilities also has a load management credit program for both central air conditioning and for electric water meters.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.brightenergysolutions.com/municipalities-container/mn/st-james-public-utilities/?rebatetype=Business
For more information contact:
Brianna Sanders (City Staff) | brianna.sanders@ci.stjames.mn.us | 507-375-1289

Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals {BP no.4}

1 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: 2016
Implementation details:
Nearly all street lights in the City of St. James use LED lights and are Dark-Sky compliant. It is the City's policy to purchase only LED replacements for outdoor lighting fixtures and to have all the outdoor lights become Dark-Sky compliant.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Brianna Sanders (City Staff) | brianna.sanders@ci.stjames.mn.us | 507-375-1289
1 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: 2016
Implementation details:
Nearly all street lights in the City of St. James use LED lights and it is the City's policy to purchase only LED replacements.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Brianna Sanders (City Staff) | brianna.sanders@ci.stjames.mn.us | 507-375-1289
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: 2022
Implementation details:
As part of the 2022 SRTS Infrastructure Project, the City of St. James installed a solar powered Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon on the intersection of 10th Ave N and 10th St N.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Brianna Sanders (City Staff) | brianna.sanders@ci.stjames.mn.us | 507-375-1289

Land Use Land Use

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

2 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: 2023
Implementation details:
The City of St. James adopted the 2023 Comprehensive Land Use Plan on October 17th, 2023. St. James's Land Use Plan has a sustainability chapter that covers renewable energy, building practices, sustainable transportation, electric vehicles, etc. There is also a transportation chapter which covers improving workforce transportation, enhancing multi-model transportation, promoting active transportation and creating walkable neighborhoods. The City of St. James conducted a community survey in December 2022 in which the results influenced the plan's goal making. Prior to adoption, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the Land Use Plan. All marketing materials were offered in English and Spanish.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Brianna Sanders (City Staff) | brianna.sanders@ci.stjames.mn.us | 507-375-1289
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: 2023
Implementation details:
Within the St. James City Code, it is referenced in the Zoning Chapter 156 that "this chapter is adopted for the purpose of: (1) Implementing the goals and policies of the comprehensive plan of the city by regulating land uses".
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/stjamesmn/latest/stjames_mn/0-0-0-5059
For more information contact:
Brianna Sanders (City Staff) | brianna.sanders@ci.stjames.mn.us | 507-375-1289

Resilient City Growth {BP no.7}

3 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: 2000
Implementation details:
Saint James allows for zero lot line setbacks in the General Business District (B-3) in city code § 156.134.

Sharpline Corporation in St. James has space for small, emerging businesses to be located in their building as part of their Business Incubator initiative. Edward Jones and Wilcon Construction Inc. share office space in their building at 101 7th Ave S.

St. James Downtown has between eight and nine storefronts on the southside of First Ave S. between Fifth St S and Armstrong Blvd S and between Armstrong Blvd S and Seventh St S. Downtown averages 295 feet per block.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/stjamesmn/latest/stjames_mn/0-0-0-5878
For more information contact:
Brianna Sanders (City Staff) | brianna.sanders@ci.stjames.mn.us | 507-375-1289

Mixed Uses {BP no.8}

2 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: 2009
Implementation details:
Downtown zoning districts, including B-2 (Service Business District) and B-3 (General Business District), allow for residential development above the ground floor, with approval of a Special Use Permit. The ground floors are used for business and commercial uses and allows for the space above and below the main level to be used for residential use.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Brianna Sanders (City Staff) | brianna.sanders@ci.stjames.mn.us | 507-375-1289

Transportation Transportation

Living & Complete Streets {BP no.11}

2 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: 2018
Implementation details:
The City of Saint James implemented traffic calming measures in Downtown St. James by installing two roundabouts on First Ave South.

The City of Saint James also implemented traffic calming measures in the 2022 Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Project by installing curb bump-outs on 10th Ave North in front of the St. James High School.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Brianna Sanders (City Staff) | brianna.sanders@ci.stjames.mn.us | 507-375-1289

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: 2016
Implementation details:
Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a national program which assists communities and school districts in enabling and encouraging children to walk and bike to school. The program assists in planning, development, and implementation of goals to improve safety and health, while reducing traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution near schools.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
We identified strategies to engineer, educate, encourage, enforce, and evaluate our plan going forward.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
St. James Public Schools, Region 9, MNDOT
For more information contact:
Sam Hansen (City staff) | Sam.Hansen@ci.stjames.mn.us | 507-375-5090
1 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: 2018
Implementation details:
The Discover Saint James website contains contact information and website links to the various transportation options in the community. The Discover Saint James website is ran by the Saint James Chamber of Commerce and the Saint James Economic Development Authority.

The City of St. James website provides a link to Discover St. James.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The outcome is that anyone looking to move to town or look to see what amenities we have in town have access to this information.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://discoverstjamesmn.com/move/transportation/
City of St. James, Watonwan County
For more information contact:
Sam Hansen (City staff) | Sam.Hansen@ci.stjames.mn.us | 507-375-5090

Environmental Management Environmental Management

Sustainable Purchasing {BP no.15}

2 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: 2023
Implementation details:
The City of St. James adopted an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing section to the city's purchasing policy on August 8, 2023. The City approved the policy to include the purchase of energy saving products such as Energy Star equipment/appliances and recycled paper products and recycled content products including paper with a 30% recycled content.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Brianna Sanders (City Staff) | brianna.sanders@ci.stjames.mn.us | 507-375-1289
3 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: 2019
Implementation details:
The City of St. James receives its power from St. James Public Utility. Currently 9% of our electricity comes from wind resources and 63% is supplied by hydropower. Overall, renewable energy supplies 72% of total purchases by the City of St. James, 78% of the total power is carbon-free.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Sam Hansen (City staff) | Sam.Hansen@ci.stjames.mn.us | 507-375-5090
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: 2021
Implementation details:
The Saint James City Council and City Manager have adopted a paperless meeting practice by receiving their agenda and packet electronically and viewing it by a laptop supplied by the City
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Brianna Sanders (City Staff) | brianna.sanders@ci.stjames.mn.us | 507-375-1289

Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}

2 star - Action 2:

Adopt best practices for urban tree planting/quality; require them in private developments and/or use them in at least one development project.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
The City of St. James purchases bare root trees from a nursery and starts them off in a gravel rock bed. In the fall we transfer them from the gravel rock bed to the city boulevards. The City follows industry tree and shrub planting best management practices and uses MnDOT specifications for all street reconstructions and projects. Boulevard trees in St. James are planted, pruned, and maintained by the Street/Park Department. The Ci also removed dead trees or trees with diseases and infestations for public safety and replants them with MN native trees. The City purchases 50-100 bare root trees a year to replace the trees that have been removed. The City is working on implementing tree diversification project in response to EAB.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Brianna Sanders (City Staff) | brianna.sanders@ci.stjames.mn.us | 507-375-1289

Sustainable Consumption and Waste {BP no.22}

3 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: 2019
Implementation details:
The City of St. James just accepted a contract with West Central Sanitation to pick up solid waste for its residents. Residents can choose from different sized carts for their garbage pick up. West Central only uses trucks that use natural gas, making it much quieter and greener.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The City of St. James partners with West Central Sanitation to ensure that every household in the city has garbage pick up. West Central provides the carts and they also do the billing.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
West Central Sanitation
For more information contact:
Sam Hansen (City staff) | Sam.Hansen@ci.stjames.mn.us | 507-375-5090

Local Air Quality {BP no.23}

1 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: N/A
Implementation details:
Fire Pits/Recreational Fires - City of St. James Ordinance 10.25
Fire Pits/Recreational fires not permitted in the front yard setback area
Fire Pits/recreational fires maximum size is 3' in diameter and 3' high
Only sticks, twigs, and unsawn materials may be burned in fire pits in the City(no garbage, leaves, treated lumber, etc.)
Keep fires at least 25' away from any structure
Burning of Leaves - City of St. James Ordinance 10.26
Burning permit required
Burning permits available during the month of May and from October 15- December 1
Prohibited on City streets, boulevards, lake shores or any public property
25' setback from any structure, wood fence, hedge or bush and no less than 5' from any property line
Burning allowed between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Burning trash, rubbish, or other materials is strictly prohibited
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.ci.stjames.mn.us/293/Code-Enforcement
For more information contact:
Sam Hansen (City staff) | Sam.Hansen@ci.stjames.mn.us | 507-375-5090

Resilient Economic & Community Development Resilient Economic and Community Development

Benchmarks and Community Engagement {BP no.24}

3 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: 2023
Implementation details:
The St. James Climate Smart Communities group meets regularly to discuss sustainability issues including GreenStep best practices, EV implementation, solar panel installation, etc. Their meetings are advertised and open to the public. Members include city officials, county officials, school representatives, and community members.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Brianna Sanders (City Staff) | brianna.sanders@ci.stjames.mn.us | 507-375-1289
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: 2022
Implementation details:
City Staff has presented information on home energy efficiency programs and rebates offered through the city and on the GreenStep best practices at city council meetings and at Climate Smart Communities meetings. The City of St. James also releases information on the city website, newsletter, and social media about various programs such as energy rebates, compost site, community gardens, etc.

City staff and volunteers have presented information regarding the Meadowlark Outdoor Lab to the school district and surrounding school districts as a way to educate the classes about native plants and has worked with the local school to plant native grasses and flowers.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Brianna Sanders (City Staff) | brianna.sanders@ci.stjames.mn.us | 507-375-1289

Green Business Development {BP no.25}

1 star - Action 1:

Grow new/emerging green businesses and green jobs through targeted assistance and new workforce development.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
The St. James EDA offers a low interest, commercial revitalization loan program that is eligible for energy efficiency improvements. This program is open to any commercial buildings within the city limits of St. James. Many of the downtown buildings are older and are in need for energy efficiency improvements.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.ci.stjames.mn.us/
For more information contact:
Brianna Sanders (City Staff) | brianna.sanders@ci.stjames.mn.us | 507-375-1289
1 star - Action 7:

Conduct or participate in a buy local campaign for community members and local businesses.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
The St. James Chamber of Commerce has conducted the "Shop St. James First" campaign for several years. Participating businesses are given stickers that they are able to put in their front store windows.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Brianna Sanders (City Staff) | brianna.sanders@ci.stjames.mn.us | 507-375-1289

Local Food {BP no.27}

3 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: 2016
Implementation details:
The St. James Chamber of Commerce runs a farmers market once a week during the months of May to October. The St. James Farmers Market operates at the Downtown Park owned by the City of St. James. The St. James Public Schools (ISD 840) has a greenhouse and school garden. There is a community garden that is City-owned and the City provides water irrigation for the plots.

There are four grocery stores, two community gardens, and one farmers market located within the city limits of Saint James.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Approximately 1,850 households out of 1,859 households, or 99% of households, in the city limits of St. James are within a 1 mile radius of the St. James Farmers Market.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://discoverstjamesmn.com/move/community-food-opportunities/
St. James Chamber of Commerce, St. James Public Schools
For more information contact:
Brianna Sanders (City Staff) | brianna.sanders@ci.stjames.mn.us | 507-375-1289

Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience {BP no.29}

3 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: 2022
Implementation details:
Watonwan County officially adopted a new Hazard Mitigation Plan and it was approved by FEMA on December 19th, 2022. The plan duration is 5 years. St James adopted a resolution supporting the plan earlier in the process as part of its path to approval.

Watonwan County (including St James) is a subscriber to CODE RED which translates emergency messages automatically into Spanish, the predominant non-English language spoken in Watonwan County. In addition, we are increasing our social media posts translating them to Spanish as well. In addition though community involvement, we seek contacts in the various culture groups that help us deliver messages effectively and in a trusting manner. The sheltering and evacuation plans for Watonwan County address vulnerable populations which include diverse populations. The challenges of effectively carrying out this is an ongoing effort at all levels of emergency and community personnel. Planning the preparedness of the population is addressed in the county's Emergency Operations Plan and incorporated into other plans the city and county develop.

At this time Spanish is the only language spoken (and TTD for the deaf and hard of hearing) due to its prominence and software limitations of CODE RED and social media posts. Efforts are ongoing to address other languages as they grow in the area. We maintain a pulse of the diversity by working with the local food plants and schools that employ and educate the bulk of our diverse communities.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.co.watonwan.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/6012/FEMA-Multi-Hazard-Mitigation-Plan?bidId=
Watonwan County
For more information contact:
Brianna Sanders (City Staff) | brianna.sanders@ci.stjames.mn.us | 507-375-1289