City Detail

Background Information

Population: 1332
GreenStep City category: B
Full-time equivalent city staff (approx.): 10
Participating township, county, school:

GreenStep Coordinator

Matthew Schuth
City Staff
utilities@winthropminnesota.com
507-647-5306
City web page relating to sustainability/GreenStep activities:
www.winthropminnesota.com
GreenStep City resolution: Click here to view the file.
GreenStep City status and date: STEP 1 ( )

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
2022 - click to view assessment

Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed

Completed actions are denoted by stars.

Total completed actions: 8
1 star actions: 3
2 star actions: 4
3 star actions: 1

Buildings and Lighting Buildings and Lighting

Efficient Existing Public Buildings {BP no.1}

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: 2017
Implementation details:
In 2016, MMPA completed Hometown Solar installations in it's member communities. Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop (GFW) High School are the first to receive installations under the agency's program. The City of Winthrop also supported GFW lighting project and was able to provide a substantial lighting rebate.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
www.avant.com
Avant energy, GFW Schools, MMPA

Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals {BP no.4}

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:
Implementation details:
We are currently replacing 15 street lights per year with LED's. We have currently replaced 25-30 lights downtown with LED's
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Melissa Lorenz (City staff) | cityclerk@winthropminnesota.com | 507-647-5306
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:
Implementation details:
We removed our stop and go lights and installed flashing, solar powered cross walk signs at two of our busiest intersections.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Melissa Lorenz (City staff) | cityclerk@winthropminnesota.com | 507-647-5306

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: 2017
Implementation details:
The City of Winthrop adopted a comprehensive city plan in 2007. In the coming year we will begin a process up reviewing the plan and making any necessary updates.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Comprehensive Plan updated and Completed.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Melissa Lorenz (City staff) | cityclerk@winthropminnesota.com | 507-647-5306

Environmental Management Environmental Management

Sustainable Purchasing {BP no.15}

1 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:
Implementation details:
We currently purchase our electricity from the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency who generates renewable energy from biomass, hydro and wind resources.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.mmpa.org/
For more information contact:
Melissa Lorenz (City staff) | cityclerk@winthropminnesota.com | 507-647-5306

Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}

1 star - Action 4:

Maximize tree planting along your main downtown street or throughout the city.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Winthrop was the recipient of a DNR tree grant in 2014. We are currently working towards our Tree City USA designation.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Melissa Lorenz (City staff) | cityclerk@winthropminnesota.com | 507-647-5306

Efficient Water and Wastewater Systems {BP no.20}

2 star - Action 3:

Establish an on-going budget and program for decreasing inflow and infiltration into sewer lines and losses in drinking water systems.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
When we do a street reconstruction project we televise private lines that run into the sanitary and require the home owner to re-plumb the system if their foundation tile is running into the sanitary system.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Melissa Lorenz (City staff) | cityclerk@winthropminnesota.com | 507-647-5306
2 star - Action 7:

Create a demand-side pricing program to reduce demands on water and wastewater systems.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Winthrop has adopted a conservation rate schedule for water. The more water that is used the higher rate the customer will pay.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Melissa Lorenz (City staff) | cityclerk@winthropminnesota.com | 507-647-5306