Enter/update building information into the MN B3 Benchmarking database, and routinely enter monthly usage data for all city-owned buildings/infrastructure that consume energy/water.
- 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: 46
Buildings and Lighting
Efficient Existing Public Buildings {BP no.1}
Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
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 of Saint Peter requires all Electric Utility customers with newly installed or replacement central air conditioning, to participate in an "Electric Load Management" program. It is designed to reduce the costs to the utility and to the customer. By lowering peak demand for electricity during certain times of the day, typically during the summer months, the utility can save customers money by lowering the wholesale price of electricity bought by the utility. Controls are added to the residential air conditioning unit that allows the municipal electric utility the ability to turn the cooling unit on and off. A unit would typically be shut off for a fifteen minute period each hour. By rolling the shut off through the city, the peak energy consumption of the utility is "shaved" resulting in lower electrical rates to the consumer.
Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Implement an energy rating/disclosure policy for residential and/or commercial buildings.
- Action 3:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Describe energy/water efficiency outcomes and other green building practices at businesses and not-for-profit organizations located within/nearby the city.
- Action 4:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
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:water. Also, homeowners in Saint Peter have water softeners equipment which automatically track water quantity usage and water hardness and will self adjust without the homeowner having to do a thing.
Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
New Green Buildings {BP no.3}
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:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
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:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Coordinate traffic signals and/or optimize signal timing to minimize car idling at intersections yet maintain safe and publicly acceptable vehicle speeds.
- Action 4:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Replace city-owned parking lot/ramp lighting with Dark-Sky compliant, energy efficient, automatic dimming lighting technologies.
- Action 7:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Replace the city's existing traffic signal indications with LEDs.
- Action 8:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Building Redevelopment {BP no.5}
Adopt an historic preservation ordinance/regulations and encourage adaptive reuse.
- Action 1:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
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:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Resilient City Growth {BP no.7}
Achieve higher intensity commercial/industrial land uses through at least one of the following strategies:
- Action 3:(1)Lot area: None.
(2)Lot width: 18 feet.
(3)Front yard: None.
(4)Side yard: None.
(5)Rear yard: None.
(6)Maximum height: 50 feet.
(7)Maximum lot coverage: 100 percent.
All these requirements are also incorporated in the zoning of map of the city.
Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
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 1:1999 MN Design Team charrettte.
Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Locate or lease a property for use as a school, city building or other government facility that has at least two of these attributes:
- Action 2:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
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:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
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:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Create incentives for vertical mixed-use development in appropriate locations (downtown, commercial districts near colleges or universities, historic commercial districts, commercial districts with minority-owned businesses).
- Action 7:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Efficient Highway- and Auto-Oriented Development {BP no.9}
Establish design goals for at least one highway/auto-oriented corridor/cluster.
- Action 1:six primary goals:
1. Improve pedestrian safety and accessibility
2. Improve vehicle safety
3. Improve mobility and system connectivity
4. Enhance appearance of corridor and community
5. Reinforce historic context of downtown
6. Rehabilitate roadway pavement
Raised medians were installed between the north and southbound lanes to improve both vehicle and pedestrian safety and mobility. "Bump-outs" were also added to define parking lanes and reduce pedestrian crossing lengths, while controlled intersections received pedestrian timers. To improve vehicular travel patterns, crossing accesses at Park Rowand Grace Street were removed, redirecting vehicles that wish to cross 169 to alternative controlled intersections. Benches and bike racks were also added along the street, improving the general aesthetics of the 169 corridor. In 2009, the City of Saint Peter joined other municipalities, counties, townships, private industry and individuals as a charter member of the U.S. Highway 169 Corridor Coalition.
Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Participate in regional economic development planning with representatives from surrounding townships, cities, the county and business interests to:
- Action 2:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Adopt infrastructure design standards that protect the economic and ecologic functions of the highway corridor through clustering of development, native plantings and incorporating access management standards.
- Action 3:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Design for Natural Resource Conservation {BP no.10}
Conserve natural, cultural, historic resources by adopting or amending city codes and ordinances to support sustainable sites, including roadsides, and environmentally protective land use development.
- Action 6:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Transportation
Living & Complete Streets {BP no.11}
Adopt zoning language or approve a skinny street/development project that follows green street and/or walkable streets principles.
- Action 2:Sec. 44-48. - Design standards. sub. 2. Saint Peter, MN Code of Ordinances.
Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Identify and remedy street-trail gaps between city streets and off-road trails/bike trails to better facilitate walking and biking.
- Action 5:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
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:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Mobility Options {BP no.12}
Increase walking, biking and transit use by one or more of the following means:
- Action 1:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Conduct an Active Living campaign such as a Safe Routes to School program.
- Action 2:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Prominently identify mobility options: transit; paratransit/Dial-A-Ride; ridesharing/cab services; rental cars; bikes; airports.
- Action 3:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Add/expand transit service, or promote car/bike sharing.
- Action 6:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Environmental Management
Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}
Certify as a Tree City USA.
- Action 1:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Adopt best practices for urban tree planting/quality; require them in private developments and/or use them in at least one development project.
- Action 2:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Build community capacity to protect existing trees by one or more of:
- Action 6:Finally, replanting, as ash trees are removed, is perhaps the most important part of the EAB Management Plan. Reforestation with diverse species of young trees is the primary objective in retaining the City’s urban forest. While it is impossible to avoid pests and diseases, diversity in planting with mixed planting schemes can reduce the impact. Resident education and communication are key components of managing the impact of the EAB, especially as more information becomes available. The City will continue to educate residents and elected officials concerning EAB. Public information is available to residents through the City’s website, newsletters, and available at City Hall.
Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Build community capacity to protect existing trees by one or more of:
- Action 6:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Stormwater Management {BP no.17}
Adopt and use Minnesota's Minimal Impact Design Standards (MIDS).
- Action 1:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
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:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Adopt and implement guidelines or design standards/incentives for at least one of the following stormwater infiltration/reuse practices:
- Action 5:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Parks and Trails {BP no.18}
Make improvements within your city's system of parks, offroad trails and open spaces.
- Action 1:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Plan and budget for a network of parks, green spaces, water features and trails for areas where new development is planned.
- Action 2:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Develop a program to involve community members in hands-on land restoration, invasive species management and stewardship projects.
- Action 8:More than 60 volunteers, led by Great River Greening, created each of the four eco-friendly floating islands, and also planted native grasses and shrubs along the south shoreline, after harsh, early season weather, and area flooding.
Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Sustainable Consumption and Waste {BP no.22}
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:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Local Air Quality {BP no.23}
Reduce residential burning of wood and yard waste and eliminate ‘backyard’ trash burning.
- Action 2:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Install, assist with and promote publicly available EV charging stations or public fueling stations for alternative fuel vehicles.
- Action 5:Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Resilient Economic and Community Development
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:Once the professional energy auditor visits their home and conduct a visual inspection to determine energy-saving opportunities, they receive a report detailing the auditor's findings and recommendations as well as rebate information for natural gas appliances.
Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Renewable Energy {BP no.26}
Support a community solar garden or help community members participate in a community solar project by:
- Action 4:While only 25% of rooftops are suitable for solar installations, community solar provides an equitable way to allow those want more solar to get it without impacting those who do not.
Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Local Food {BP no.27}
Create, assist with and promote local food production/distribution within the city:
- Action 3:The city of Saint Peter through the department of public works has tilled the land that has been made available as the Traverse Green Neighborhood Garden. In promoting local food production, the city has provided a small storage shed that will be furnished with gardening tools and implements originally financed by the city of Saint Peter. The city also provide access to water service that has been installed in the garden.
Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
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:The action plan which resulted form this Region 9 collection of work involves a seven step, multilayered approach to plan and prepare for extreme weather, adapt to changing climatic conditions, and foster stronger community connectedness and social and economic vitality. The seven larger steps are:
1.) Maximize Soil and Water Conservation (With subsections with action plans for: Increase conservation best management practices, Retain topsoil and agriculture productivity during extreme rain, drought, and freezing events, Manage impact of flooding, Promote water conservation, Decrease impacts from extreme storms, and Manage the floodplain.
2.) Expand Alternative Genetics and Crop Choices (With subsections with action plans for: Increase cover crops and invest in diversified cropping and Investment and development strategies.)
3.) Infrastructure Management (With subsections with action plans for: Limit power outages, Maintain transportation and traffic flow, and Support regional transportation initiatives [biking, walking, autos]).
4.) Increase Adaptive Capacity for Livestock and Human Health (With subsections with action plans for: Increase immunization and Keep livestock cool in extreme heat.)
5. ) Expand Risk Management and Management Planning Across Planning Platforms (With subsections with action plans for: Utilize airports for disaster planning, Add extreme weather into emergency planning, and Include climate change in local, regional, statewide, and national plans.)
6.) Special Focus on Resilience Sector Strategies (With subsections with action plans for: Implement urban resiliency strategies, Focus on renewable energy programs and initiatives by diversifying electricity generation, and Implement conservation of energy practices.)
7.) Strengthen Local Food Production
These specific action plans, as laid out in the region nine climate change report (https://www.rndc.org/download/community_economic_development/climate-change-plan-final-for-web.pdf), are both proactive and reactive in different cases where citizens will be in a position of need or help. An example within step 5 would be Saint Peter's public plan of keeping certain air conditioned municipal spaces open extended hours for those without air conditioning at home during extreme hot spells and extreme weather with similar outcomes.
Jenny Palmer (City Staff) | administrator@winthropminnesota.com | 507-647-5306