City Detail

Background Information

City of Sherburn
County: Martin
Population: 1137
GreenStep City category: B
Full-time equivalent city staff (approx.): 6
Participating township, county, school:

GreenStep Coordinator

Kym Christiansen
City Staff
kym.christiansen@cityofsherburn.com
507-764-4491
City web page relating to sustainability/GreenStep activities:
http://cityofsherburn.com/residents/
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
2020 - click to view assessment

Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed

Completed actions are denoted by stars.

Total completed actions: 17
1 star actions: 9
2 star actions: 5
3 star actions: 3

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:
B3 data is entered for all municipal buildings and is kept current by the Administration department. Complete data exists for all facilities since 2012.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
We will be actively be comparing the baselines in the B3 database to the City's baselines once the pilot becomes more mature.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://mn.b3benchmarking.com/B3EMSLaunch
For more information contact:
Kym Christiansen (City staff) | kym.christiansen@cityofsherburn.com | 507-764-4491
2 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 Sherburn installed motion sensor lights for the bathroom in the community hall and installed programmable thermostat for our community hall.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The bathroom lights are not on unless someone comes into the room which saves energy. The programmable thermostat keeps the temperature in the community hall at 60 degrees when it is not occupied.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kym Christiansen (City staff) | kym.christiansen@cityofsherburn.com | 507-764-4491

Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals {BP no.4}

2 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: 2019
Implementation details:
In early 2019, the City of Sherburn replaced the street lights located in our downtown to LED lights. The number of lights that were replaced were ten poles. In addition, all other streets are being replaced with LED as they burn out.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kym Christiansen (City staff) | kym.christiansen@cityofsherburn.com | 507-764-4491

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:
Martin County Land Use Plan passed in 2003.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://www.co.martin.mn.us/images/Planning/MC_Land_Use_Plan.pdf
For more information contact:
Kym Christiansen (City staff) | kym.christiansen@cityofsherburn.com | 507-764-4491
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:
The comprehensive plan is referenced by the City code for the physical development of the City in Section 205.04: Duties and Powers of the Commission, Comprehensive Plan.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://nebula.wsimg.com/354e85bea6d0fa933e7df51f73ca3842?AccessKeyId=7DFB687E0C10617CDFBE&disposition=0&alloworigin=1
For more information contact:
Kym Christiansen (City staff) | kym.christiansen@cityofsherburn.com | 507-764-4491

Transportation Transportation

Mobility Options {BP no.12}

2 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:
Implementation details:
In the Spring of 2015 the City of Sherburn applied for and received a grant to work with Region 9 on a Safe Routes to School and Community Active Living Plan. The active living team participated in three meetings from April through August 2015 to complete an active living plan for Sherburn. It is the first step in creating a successful active living plan and will be the blueprint which we will follow for future projects and fixing gaps identified in the community.
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:
Region 9 Development Commission, Martin County West School District, Statewide Health Improvement Program, Minnesota Department of Health
For more information contact:
Kym Christiansen (City staff) | kym.christiansen@cityofsherburn.com | 507-764-4491
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:
Implementation details:
Sherburn has link to Martin County Transit's website link under Resident's "Transit Options" on the City Website. This link shows up to date fares and hours in which they operate.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.co.martin.mn.us/index.php/residents/public-transit
City of Sherburn, Martin County
For more information contact:
Kym Christiansen (City staff) | kym.christiansen@cityofsherburn.com | 507-764-4491

Efficient City Fleets {BP no.13}

1 star - Action 3:

Phase-in operational changes, equipment changes including electric vehicles, and no-idling practices for city or local transit fleets.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Sherburn currently monitors the EMS/Fire and Public Works Departments' fuel usage and costs. There is monthly maintenance scheduled on all City vehicles. On March 2, 2015, we passed Resolution 2015-5: Adopting a "no idling" policy for all City employees and vehicles, in order to reduce emissions and fuel costs.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kym Christiansen (City staff) | kym.christiansen@cityofsherburn.com | 507-764-4491

Environmental Management Environmental Management

Sustainable Purchasing {BP no.15}

1 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: 2017
Implementation details:
New printers and copiers were purchased that have an energy star certified and they go into energy saver mode after a specific period of time. We also try to make we are purchasing paper that has recycled content.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kym Christiansen (City staff) | kym.christiansen@cityofsherburn.com | 507-764-4491
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: 2017
Implementation details:
In February of 2017, the City Council voted to purchase tablets for the members so that council packets were sent all the members and staff. Two copies are made for staff and official record. In addition, all incoming faxes are delivered to staff emails.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kym Christiansen (City staff) | kym.christiansen@cityofsherburn.com | 507-764-4491

Parks and Trails {BP no.18}

3 star - Action 3:

Achieve minimum levels of city green space and maximize the percent within a ten-minute walk of community members.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Sherburn boosts of just over 20 acres of parks and green space open for public use for our 1,137 residents. Regardless of where anyone lives in town, everyone (100%) lives within a half mile of one of our parks or green areas.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
City of Sherburn; Martin County West School District; Google Earth
For more information contact:
Kym Christiansen (City staff) | kym.christiansen@cityofsherburn.com | 507-764-4491
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:
Every year the Martin County West School District has a "MCW Gives Back" event that involves students cleaning the park and cleaning the walking sidewalk in town.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
City parks are cleaned up and trash is removed. Martin County West organizes the annual volunteer event.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Martin County West
For more information contact:
Kym Christiansen (City staff) | kym.christiansen@cityofsherburn.com | 507-764-4491

Efficient Water and Wastewater Systems {BP no.20}

3 star - Action 4:

Optimize energy and chemical use at drinking water/wastewater facilities and decrease chloride in wastewater discharges.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
In late 2016, the City started construction on water treatment facility that contains a reverse osmosis membrane treatment. This allows for softer water coming out of the plant and for citizens to reduce their water softner or remove all together. We have seen a reduction in the amount of chloride in our wastewater system.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kym Christiansen (City staff) | kym.christiansen@cityofsherburn.com | 507-764-4491

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 Sherburn contracts with Waste Manangement to pick up solid waste and provide recycling for its residents. Residents can choose from different sized carts for their garbage and recycling. Recycling is made easy because the residents do not have to separate the recyclables.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The City of Sherburn partners with Waste Management to ensure that every household in the city has garbage and recycling pick up. Waste Management provides the carts and they also do the billing.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kym Christiansen (City staff) | kym.christiansen@cityofsherburn.com | 507-764-4491

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:
Implementation details:
Ordinance 2012-01, passed on June 18, 2012, added Section 804 to Sherburn City Code, to define recreational burning and place exceptions and conditions for them. The code also explains the duties to extinguish, the penalties and also the recreational fires that are prohibited.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://nebula.wsimg.com/a0b8cc460fd98a9146f9afef3134bf90?AccessKeyId=7DFB687E0C10617CDFBE&disposition=0&alloworigin=1
City of Sherburn, Sherburn/Welcome Police Department
For more information contact:
Kym Christiansen (City staff) | kym.christiansen@cityofsherburn.com | 507-764-4491

Resilient Economic & Community Development Resilient Economic and Community Development

Benchmarks and Community Engagement {BP no.24}

1 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: 2017
Implementation details:
The City's link to the GreenStep web page for Sherburn is posted on the City's Website.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://cityofsherburn.com/residents/
For more information contact:
Kym Christiansen (City staff) | kym.christiansen@cityofsherburn.com | 507-764-4491

Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience {BP no.29}

1 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: 2017
Implementation details:
The City of Sherburn has a public alert system that residents can utilize for notices regarding snow removal and water main breaks. We also post the information are the City of Sherburn facebook page. Martin County also have a red system that is used for notification of severe weather events. City also reviews the County Hazard Mitigation Plan and has plans in place to respond to emergencies.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kym Christiansen (City staff) | kym.christiansen@cityofsherburn.com | 507-764-4491