City Detail

Background Information

City of Wyoming
County: Chisago
Population: 8032
GreenStep City category: B
Full-time equivalent city staff (approx.): 21
Participating township, county, school:

GreenStep Coordinator

Alex Saxe
City Staff
asaxe@wyomingmn.org
651-462-0575
City web page relating to sustainability/GreenStep activities:
https://www.wyomingmn.org
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
2023 - click to view assessment

Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed

Completed actions are denoted by stars.

Total completed actions: 28
1 star actions: 15
2 star actions: 6
3 star actions: 7

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: 2022
Implementation details:
All of our city-owned buildings are in the B3 system. The Assistant City Administartor will be responsible for data entry/updating when needed. The city has about 3 years of data entered into B3, but have not had updates since 2019. We are working with Leo Ndiaye to get our readings current again and then have our meter reads in B3 for the future. Our historical data hoepfully counts for this requirment and then we will get our data current again very soon. I have included a spreadhseet of that old data on our meters.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Alex Saxe (City Staff) | asaxe@wyomingmn.org | 651-272-5504
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: 2018
Implementation details:
A lighting audit was performed by Xcel energy and CCE on all city facilities. Once the audit was completed the city council authorized LED lighting in all city facilities including, the Wyoming library, Wyoming city hall, Wyoming fire department, Wyoming public works and Wyoming police department. All internal and outdoor lighting was replaced at all facilities.

Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Total installed costs of all lighting were $ 28,570.12. The city received a $6, 755.00 utility rebate from Xcel energy resulting in a final cost of $21,815.12. With the LED light conversion the city will save an annually amount of $4,982.03.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Xcel energy, Center for Energy and Environment CCE
For more information contact:
Frances Duncanson (City staff) | fduncanson@wyomingmn.org | 651-272-5504
1 star - Action 4:

Implement IT efforts and city employee engagement to reduce plug loads, building energy use and workflow efficiency.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
The City installed automatic garage doors onto the City's Fire Station. This upgrade creates autoclosure of the doors after a fire rig leaves the bay. This prevents unnecessary heat loss from the fire bays and the attached offices.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kelly Dumais (City Staff) | kdumais@wyomingmn.org | 651-440-1888
1 star - Action 6:

Improve the operations & maintenance of city-owned/school buildings and leased buildings by using a customized online energy efficiency tool, asset management tool, green building framework or green lease.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
A lighting audit was performed by Xcel energy and CCE on all city facilities. Once the audit was completed the city council authorized LED lighting in all city facilities including, the Wyoming library, Wyoming city hall, Wyoming fire department, Wyoming public works and Wyoming police department. All internal and outdoor lighting was replaced at all facilities.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Total installed costs of all lighting were $ 28,570.12. The city received a $6, 755.00 utility rebate from Xcel energy resulting in a final cost of $21,815.12. With the LED light conversion the city will save an annually amount of $4,982.03.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Frances Duncanson (City staff) | fduncanson@wyomingmn.org | 651-272-5504

Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals {BP no.4}

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:
Implementation details:
Xcel Energy owns the street lights and traffic signals in the City of Wyoming. They have purchased LEDs and replaced the street lights and traffic signals with them. It is anticipated they will continue to do so in the future.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Xcel Energy
For more information contact:
Frances Duncanson (City staff) | fduncanson@wyomingmn.org | 651-272-5504
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: 2021
Implementation details:
The City was awarded a grant through the DNR that includes implementation of LED lighting in Swenson Park
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kelly Dumais (City Staff) | kdumais@wyomingmn.org | 651-440-1888
3 star - Action 6:

Relamp/improve exterior building lighting for city-owned buildings/facilities with energy efficient, Dark-Sky compliant lighting.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
a lighting audit was performed by Xcel energy and CCE on all city facilities. Once the audit was completed the city council authorized LED lighting in all city facilities including, the Wyoming library, Wyoming city hall, Wyoming fire department, Wyoming public works and Wyoming police department. All internal and outdoor lighting was replaced at all facilities.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Total installed costs of all lighting were $ 28,570.12. The city received a $6, 755.00 utility rebate from Xcel energy resulting in a final cost of $21,815.12. With the LED light conversion the city will save an annually amount of $4,982.03.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Xcel energy, Center for Energy and Environment CCE
For more information contact:
Robb Linwood (City staff) | rlinwood@wyomingmn.org | 651-462-0575
3 star - Action 8:

Replace the city's existing traffic signal indications with LEDs.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
Xcel Energy has replaced all traffic signals in the City of Wyoming with LEDs. This was done in 2016 and 2017. Our existing agreement with Xcel is quite old and most likely does not address this issue, but the action has been completed.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Xcel Energy
For more information contact:
Frances Duncanson (City staff) | fduncanson@wyomingmn.org | 651-272-5504

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: 2009
Implementation details:
The City of Wyoming Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2009 and is in the process of being updated.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Frances Duncanson (City staff) | fduncanson@wyomingmn.org | 651-272-5504
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: 2009
Implementation details:
City Ordnance Sec. 40-20 reference that the enforcement, amendment, and administration shall be accomplished in accordance with the City's Comprehensive Plan.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Frances Duncanson (City staff) | fduncanson@wyomingmn.org | 651-272-5504
1 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: 2009
Implementation details:
The City of Wyoming Comprehensive Plan addresses Intergovernmental Cooperation.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Frances Duncanson (City staff) | fduncanson@wyomingmn.org | 651-272-5504
3 star - Action 4:

Include ecological provisions in the comprehensive plan that explicitly aim to minimize open space fragmentation and/or establish a growth area with expansion criteria.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2009
Implementation details:
The descriptive file contains the portion of the City Comprehensive Plan that minimizes open space fragmentation.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Frances Duncanson (City staff) | fduncanson@wyomingmn.org | 651-272-5504

Design for Natural Resource Conservation {BP no.10}

3 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: 2009
Implementation details:
The City of Wyoming has a landscaping and woodland preservation ordinance that requires landscaping plans in zoning and development review as well as setting minimum requirements.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Frances Duncanson (City staff) | fduncanson@wyomingmn.org | 651-272-5504

Transportation Transportation

Mobility Options {BP no.12}

2 star - Action 5:

Implement workplace multi-modal transportation best management practices - including telework/flexwork - in city government, businesses or at a local health care provider.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
Implemented a City flexible workplace/telework policy
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Copy of City Flexible workplace policy
For more information contact:
Kelly Dumais (City Staff) | kdumais@wyomingmn.org | 651-440-1888

Efficient City Fleets {BP no.13}

1 star - Action 2:

Right-size/down-size the city fleet with the most fuel-efficient vehicles that are of an optimal size and capacity for their intended functions.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2021
Implementation details:
The City of Wyoming Police Department has purchased a a Hybrid Ford Explorer Squad car to replace a 2014 standard combustion engine squad car. The upgraded hybrid will cost an additional $3,319 at the time of purchase but is anticipated to save us $7,750 in fuel over the life of service.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The hybrid vehicle is anticipated to save us $7,750 in fuel over the life of service as compared with the combustion engine vehicle that it replaced.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kelly Dumais (City Staff) | kdumais@wyomingmn.org | 651-440-1888

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: 2020
Implementation details:
The City adopted a sustainable purchasing policy
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Policy includes an environmentally preferable purchasing criteria as well as preference for local vendors.
For more information contact:
Kelly Dumais (City Staff) | kdumais@wyomingmn.org | 651-440-1888
1 star - Action 3:

Establish purchasing preferences that support local, Minority, Disability, and Women-Owned businesses and, working with a local business association, develop a list of locally-produced products and suppliers for common purchases.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
The City of Wyoming shared local businesses to support on our social media.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.facebook.com/cityofwyomingmn/posts/1034595487006313
For more information contact:
Kelly Dumais (City Staff) | kdumais@wyomingmn.org | 651-440-1888
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: 2020
Implementation details:
The City has transitioned to digital meeting materials for all council meetings as well as for boards and commissions.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The reduction in printing City Council packets saves approximately $1,400 in printing costs per year.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kelly Dumais (City Staff) | kdumais@wyomingmn.org | 651-440-1888

Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}

1 star - Action 1:

Certify as a Tree City USA.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
The City of Wyoming was accepted into the Tree City USA program in 2020.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Tree City USA
For more information contact:
Kelly Dumais (City Staff) | kdumais@wyomingmn.org | 651-440-1888

Stormwater Management {BP no.17}

1 star - Action 2:

Complete the GreenStep Municipal Stormwater Management Assessment.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2011
Implementation details:
In 2011 the City of Wyoming contracted with WSB to produce a Storm Water Utility Report to establish method and procedures for implementation of a Storm Water Utility under MN Statutes 444.075. Eligible expenditures, rate structures, and administrative processes were studied and recommendations made. This storm water plan is currently being updated by WSB.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The led to the City implementing an increase in storm water utility rates.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Frances Duncanson (City staff) | fduncanson@wyomingmn.org | 651-272-5504
3 star - Action 4:

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2011
Implementation details:
The City of Wyoming created and implemented a storm water utility in 2011 as part of the storm water utility report produced by WSB. The descriptive file attached contains the user rate structure determination. WSB has been contracted to update this plan in 2019.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Frances Duncanson (City staff) | fduncanson@wyomingmn.org | 651-272-5504

Surface Water {BP no.19}

1 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: 2019
Implementation details:
On February 19th, 2019 the Wyoming City Council adopted Ordinance 2019-01 amending City Code Chapter 40 Article IV Definition of Terms and Article VI, Zoning District Provisions; Division 16 Shoreland District. This ordinance is based on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Model Shoreland Management Ordinance which is consistent with Minnesota shoreland management rules (6120.2500 – 6120.3800). The provisions of this ordinance shall apply to the shorelands of Public Water bodies as defined by Minnesota Statutes, Section 103G.005, Subd. 15 and 15a, and as classified in Section 40-314 of this ordinance. The ordinance regulates the administration of the ordinance, establishes the shoreland classifications and land uses, establishes special land use provisions, establishes dimensional and general performance standards, establishes performance standards for public and private facilities, establishes regulations for vegetation and land alterations, and provisions for subdivisions, platting, and planned unit developments.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The desired outcome of this ordinance is to improve local water quality, quantity, and re-vegetate shoreland.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:

Septic Systems {BP no.21}

3 star - Action 3:

Clarify/establish one or more responsible management entities (RMEs) for the proper design, siting, installation, operation, monitoring and maintenance of septic systems.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 1998
Implementation details:
City of Wyoming Building/Zoning official Fred Weck holds individual certification as a advance inspector by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Cert#C5199 expiring 6-25-2022. Mr. Weck is the City of Wyoming management entity for the proper design, siting, installation, operation monitoring and maintenance of septic systems.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Frances Duncanson (City staff) | fduncanson@wyomingmn.org | 651-272-5504
3 star - Action 4:

Adopt a subsurface sewage treatment system ordinance based on the Association of Minnesota Counties' model ordinance.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2011
Implementation details:
The City of Wyoming adopted the SSTS standards established by statute on January 18th, 2011
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Frances Duncanson (City staff) | fduncanson@wyomingmn.org | 651-272-5504

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: 2022
Implementation details:
At the City of Wyoming's Park Advisory Commission Meeting on 3/7/22 that commission agreed to become the City Green Team. They will be responsible for tracking sustanability efforts within the city. The city will work on setting up a webpage on the city website to post all sustanability efforts occuring in the city. This team will be able to come up with new energy innovative ideas and present those to the city council.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Alex Saxe (City Staff) | asaxe@wyomingmn.org | 651-272-5504

Green Business Development {BP no.25}

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: 2020
Implementation details:
The City of Wyoming shared a list of local businesses with hours and locations on our social media as a part of our buy local campaign.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.facebook.com/cityofwyomingmn/posts/1034595487006313
For more information contact:
Kelly Dumais (City Staff) | kdumais@wyomingmn.org | 651-440-1888

Renewable Energy {BP no.26}

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: 2015
Implementation details:
City Ordinance 2015-03 sets zoning rules to encourage the use and development of renewable energy systems that enhance energy conservation efforts and supports the use of solar energy collection systems.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kelly Dumais (City Staff) | kdumais@wyomingmn.org | 651-440-1888

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: 2014
Implementation details:
Adoption of Emergency Management Plan
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
The municipal plan has been developed to provide procedures for Wyoming government agencies to respond to various types of emergencies or disasters that affect the community. It provides a link to procedures that will be used by county government since Wyoming is part of the county emergency management program. This municipal plan is to be used in conjunction with the Chisago County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). The municipal plan will be maintained in accordance with current standards of the Chisago County EOP and in accordance with the local/municipal government. Review of this municipal plan shall be accomplished concurrently with the county plan. We are updating this plan in 2020.
Chisago County
For more information contact:
Kelly Dumais (City Staff) | kdumais@wyomingmn.org | 651-440-1888