City Detail

Background Information

City of Scandia
County: Washington
Population: 3984
GreenStep City category: B
Full-time equivalent city staff (approx.): 11
Participating township, county, school:

GreenStep Coordinator

Kyle Morell
City Staff
k.morell@ci.scandia.mn.us
651-433-2274
City web page relating to sustainability/GreenStep activities:
www.ci.scandia.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: 29
1 star actions: 12
2 star actions: 14
3 star actions: 3

Buildings and Lighting Buildings and Lighting

Efficient Existing Public Buildings {BP no.1}

2 star - Action 1:

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Entered last 24 months of electric and gas usage for Scandia Community Center and Fire Hall/Public Works Building. City Administrator will continue to update going forward.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Xcel Energy
For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274
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: 2016
Implementation details:
Installed in-wall occupancy sensors in the restroom at the Scandia Community Building and Ice Rink warming house
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Graybar Electric using US Communities contract
For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274
1 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: 2018
Implementation details:
The City used a US Communities joint purchasing contract with Graybar Electric to retrofit the interior and exterior fixtures at the Community Building to LEDs' The exterior fixtures were also upgraded to protect the dark sky. The cost of the upgrades was $33,285 which was reduced by Xcel rebates of $5,069.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The cost savings are estimated to be $3,240 per year which provides a 8.7 year payback based on energy savings. The actual payback is expected to be much quicker since most of the fixtures are in the Community Room that has high ceilings where bulb and ballast replacement costs are significant.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Graybar Electric using US Communities contract, Xcel Energy
For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274

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: 2010
Implementation details:
Development code sets standards for lighting in all zoning districts providing that any lighting used to illuminate an off-street parking area or other structure or area shall be arranged as to deflect light away from any adjoining property or from the public street.
1. Shielding. The luminaire shall contain a cutoff that directs and cuts off the light at an angle of 90 degrees or less.
2. Intensity. No light source or combination thereof which casts light on a public street shall exceed 1 foot candle meter reading as measured from the centerline of said street nor shall any light source or combination thereof which casts light on adjacent property exceed 0.4 foot candles as measured at the property line.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Dark sky lighting standards
For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274
1 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: 2016
Implementation details:
A solar power light was installed on the flag pole for the veterans memorial in Lilleskogen Park. The light mounts at the top of the flag pole and light downward to help protect the dark sky.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274

Land Use Land Use

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

1 star - Action 1:

Adopt a comprehensive plan or (for Category B & C cities) adopt a future land use plan that was adopted by the county or a regional entity.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City Council adopted the current Comprehensive Plan in 2009 after nearly two years of public input and work by citizen advisory committees. The plan identifies many natural resource goals in the areas of wastewater, surface water and groundwater management as well as protecting open spaces to retain the rural character of Scandia.

This was furthered by the adoption of the Guidelines for the Protection of Scandia's Scenic Viewsheds on 5/15/12.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.ci.scandia.mn.us/index.asp?SEC=CD15B87F-1A85-49F2-A7B5-C863582143F4&Type=B_BASIC
For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274
1 star - Action 2:

Demonstrate that regulatory ordinances comply with the comprehensive plan including but not limited to having the zoning ordinance explicitly reference the comprehensive plan as the foundational document for decision making.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Following the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan, the City adopted a new Development Code in 2010. The code makes reference to the Comprehensive Plan in many locations. For example, Chap. 2, Section 5.0 Land Development lays out four types of land development "to help the City achieve the goals in the Comprehensive Plan."
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://www.ci.scandia.mn.us/index.asp?SEC=8C29BCA9-2C17-466B-8FBF-53F039C7ECE3&DE=B4D307A1-7530-4870-9197-84917634A24A&Type=B_BASIC
For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274
2 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:
Implementation details:
In September 2012, the City Council adopted an updated Local Water Management Plan that called for MOUs with the watershed districts to address development reviews and other joint ventures. In December 2013, the City Council adopted a Memorandum of Understanding with the Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District.

For a number of years, The City of Scandia has provided fire services to a portion of the Town of May.

In 2009, the City of Scandia entered into a mutual aid agreement with the Village of Osceola, WI. Since this agreement crossed state boundaries, state officials were required to approve it in addition to local officials. However, it was very important in providing services to the residents of Scandia. Although Osceola is a state away it is one of our closest mutual aid partners.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://www.ci.scandia.mn.us/vertical/sites/%7B2F1D9A41-1D4D-4195-A3E4-159328E3F399%7D/uploads/Approved_Local_Water_Management_Plan.pdf
For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274

Design for Natural Resource Conservation {BP no.10}

2 star - Action 1:

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

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
City has an Open Space Conservation Subdivision process that allows development while preserving woodlands and other habitats, natural resources corridors, agricultural land, open space and significant natural features identified in the Comprehensive Plan.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274
2 star - Action 3:

For cities within metropolitan areas, incorporate woodland best management practices addressing protection of wooded areas into zoning or development review.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
City Code includes a section on Woodland and Tree Preservation. A Woodland Preservation Plan is required whenever significant trees or woodlands exist in a proposed construction zone.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274

Transportation Transportation

Mobility Options {BP no.12}

1 star - Action 1:

Increase walking, biking and transit use by one or more of the following means:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 1917
Implementation details:
The Friends of Scandia Parks and Trail has produced and distributed a map showing 4 cycling routes within the City.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Bike trails map
Friends of Scandia Parks & Trails
For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274

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: 2018
Implementation details:
The City Council passed a resolution to update the purchasing policies. An objective to purchase sustainable whenever practicable and a section addressing sustainable purchasing were added to the policy
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274
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: 2018
Implementation details:
The City of Scandia executed a fixed discount value-of-solar agreement with US Solar
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The Community Solar Garden Allocation is expected to produce 127,771 kWh annually. The City will realize savings of $0.01 per kWh produced.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
US Solar
For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274
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: 2014
Implementation details:
The City purchased tablets for use by the Council, Planning Commission, and other Committees at public meetings. Meeting packets are distributed by posting into Dropbox for review in advance of meetings.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Paperless meeting packets
For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274

Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}

2 star - Action 5:

Adopt a tree preservation or native landscaping ordinance.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2010
Implementation details:
The City Development code establishes standards for woodland and tree preservation that requires a preservation plan for plats and minor subdivisions, establishes replacement standards for significant trees, and establishes protective measures to be taken.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Woodland and Tree Preservation Standards
For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274

Stormwater Management {BP no.17}

2 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: 2007
Implementation details:
The City's Development Code requires adequate provision for managing the quantity and quality of storm water runoff. Subdivisions shall meet the adopted water management rules, standards and plan requirements of local watershed districts for
volume control, rate control and water quality.

The design of ponds and other stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) shall conform
to the requirements of the City’s Engineering Standards and to the standards and design
recommendations in the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Minnesota Stormwater
Manual (2006 and subsequent revisions) and Minnesota Stormwater Best Management
Practices Manual.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Storm Water Management
For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274

Parks and Trails {BP no.18}

2 star - Action 5:

Create park/city land management standards/practices that maximize at least one of the following:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
The City Council has passed a resolution to participate in and endorse pollinator friendly efforts. In the resolution the City will undertake best efforts to utilize plants favorable to pollinators, use native MN species, and cease the use of pesticides that would impact pollinators
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Pollinator Friendly Resolution
For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274
3 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: 2017
Implementation details:
The City adopted a Volunteer policy to provide guidance and to establish a process for residents to performs work in Scandia Parks. Volunteer opportunities identified include maintenance in City parks including species mapping and removal of invasive species.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Volunteer Policy
For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274

Surface Water {BP no.19}

2 star - Action 4:

Adopt a shoreland ordinance for all river and lake shoreland areas.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2007
Implementation details:
City created a shoreland overlay district and added shoreland management regulations to the development code
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:

Sustainable Consumption and Waste {BP no.22}

1 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: 2007
Implementation details:
City contracts with SRC for single sort curbside recycling collection for all households.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:

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: 2014
Implementation details:
The Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails have organized a committee to assist the City with the GreenStep implementation and to reports on the City's efforts.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Community Green Step Committee
Friends of Scandia Parks & Trails
For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274
2 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: 2018
Implementation details:
The Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails (FSPT) group has presented (free) speaker events to the public in 2018 -2019 that include experts speaking on recycling related issues, wasps, building resiliency to climate change - on your land and in your community, Minnesota’s giant silkworm moths, and changes in Minnesota birds and how we can help. In partnership with the Marine Community Library there were two speaker events: Carrol Henderson, long-time biologist with the DNR and some key projects and Peter Reich, U of M Regents Professor of Forestry discussing how climate change is affecting Minnesota’s trees and how we can all be better stewards of our climate. FSPT plans to continue to host similar community speaker events.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails
Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails
For more information contact:
Lisa Schlingerman (Community volunteer) | lisaschlingerman@gmail.com | 6514335498

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: 2018
Implementation details:
The City has listed the RETAP program as an Economic Development resource on its website that provides a link to the RETAP website.

Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Green business assistance
For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274
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: 2016
Implementation details:
The City maintains a listing of local businesses and links when available on its website in order to encourage residents and businesses to shop locally
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Local Business Directory
For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274

Renewable Energy {BP no.26}

2 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: 2015
Implementation details:
City has adopted a solar farm and community solar garden ordinance
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
4 solar farms have been approved for construction under this ordinance
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Community Solar Garden
For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274
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: 2016
Implementation details:
The City has worked with Novel Energy Systems to install a 40 kW solar system on the roof of the Fire / Public Works Building.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The peak generation month to date was July, 2017 where 6.4kW was generated.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274
1 star - Action 7:

Become a solar-ready community, including adopting ordinance/zoning language and an expedited permit process for residents and businesses to install solar energy systems.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
The City has enacted an ordinance to regulate solar energy systems that are accessory to the primary use of the property. The ordinance provides for a building permit review process for systems smaller than 800 s.f. in area. Systems that are larger in size will still be required to seek a conditional use permit.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Solar Energy Systems as accessory use
For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274

Local Food {BP no.27}

2 star - Action 3:

Create, assist with and promote local food production/distribution within the city:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2011
Implementation details:
The City of Scandia and Gammelgården Museum are collaborating to bring a Farmers Market to Scandia in 2011. The Scandia Farmers Market is located in the Gammelgården Museum parking lot at 20880 Olinda Trail in Scandia. The market had two initial goals: To help increase access to fresh, locally grown produce and to create an enjoyable, safe community event that brings people together.

The market is promoted on the City website and in the Spring newsletter.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://scandiafarmersmarket.com/
For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274

Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience {BP no.29}

2 star - Action 1:

Prepare to maintain public health and safety during extreme weather and climate-change-related events, while also taking a preventive approach to reduce risk for community members.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
The City of Scandia works with Washington County to update the All-Hazard Mitigation Plan (last approved by FEMA in 2018) and Washington County Emergency Operations Plan as appropriate. Washington County’s All Hazard Mitigation Plan is aimed at helping cities and townships (including Scandia) mitigate (prepare) for a variety of hazards such as flooding, tornadoes, and terrorism before they occur. In addition to the Washington County Plans, the City is creating its own Emergency operations plan using Bold Planning which identifies methods utilized for information dissemination during emergencies. In the event of weather related emergencies, Washington County is responsible for disseminating all watches and warnings to the City of Scandia (except warnings for conditions generated within the City itself). Washington County has the ability to utilize IPAWS to disseminate weather emergency information in English and Spanish, and ECHO Services to disseminate weather emergency information in English, Spanish, Hmong and Somali and Code Red for landline and cell phone notification via call and text. The key City Staff for notifications are as follows: Adam Hawkinson (Director of Public Safety), Mike Hinz (Fire Chief) and Neil Soltis (City Administrator). Scandia will notify residents by activation of the outdoor warning sirens and to notify the population not covered by the outdoor warning system by house-to-house contact, including alerting individuals with special needs. In addition to information dissemination within the City by the County, there are other available resources to residents for weather related emergencies including local and regional television and radio stations.
Scandia’s fire station is designated as the community’s location for help in the event of a community medical emergency.

Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Emergency Preparedness
For more information contact:
Mike Hinz (City staff) | mike.hinz@scandiafire.com | 6514334383