City Detail

Background Information

City of South Saint Paul
County: Dakota
Population: 20759
GreenStep City category: A
Full-time equivalent city staff (approx.): 90
Participating township, county, school: Special School District 6

GreenStep Coordinator

Monika Miller
City Staff
mmann@southstpaul.org
651-554-3273
City web page relating to sustainability/GreenStep activities:
http://www.southstpaul.org/
GreenStep City resolution: Click here to view the file.
GreenStep City status and date: STEP 5 ( )

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
2021 - click to view assessment
Metrics Files
2022 - click to view metrics file

Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed

Completed actions are denoted by stars.

Total completed actions: 41
1 star actions: 17
2 star actions: 18
3 star actions: 6

Buildings and Lighting Buildings and Lighting

Efficient Existing Public Buildings {BP no.1}

1 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: 2019
Implementation details:
South St. Paul has recently updated energy and natural gas usage into Minnesota’s B3 benchmarking software for the City's public buildings. There has been no way to catalog city water usage as the city has not physically read its own meters for water usage. The Community Development Support Specialist is responsible for updating the website monthly as utility billing is received.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Monika Mann (City Staff) | mmann@southstpaul.org | 6515543273
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 Doug Woog Arena, which is owned by the City of St. Paul, was converted the lighting for the entire building to LED lighting.

At their meeting on Jan. 28, the South St. Paul School Board approved entering into an agreement to install solar panels at Kaposia Elementary. The action is the culmination of nearly a year of research and negotiation to assess the viability and sustainability of such a project.
In April 2018, the South St. Paul School Board approved a non-binding letter of intent to work with the State of Minnesota, Department of Administration – Office of Enterprise Sustainability (OES) to share information, evaluate potential options, and perform site visits on the subject of installing solar panels in the district. Through this process, the district identified Kaposia Education Center as a potential site of solar panels, given the age and structure of the building.

Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
By converting over, it Is estimated that the annual cost saving will be over 36,000 yearly.

Schools outcomes will be determined
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
https://www.sspps.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=4&ModuleInstanceID=274&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=2746&PageID=1
South St. Paul Schools
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230
2 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: 2014
Implementation details:
In 2014, the City made an effort to reduce its energy usage at City Hall by replacing many of the lights with more energy efficient LEDs. In addition to switching out light bulb, the City became stricter and more refined in temperature control and air handling unit regulating. This has led to substantially monetary and energy savings.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Since the switch, City Hall is using 40,000 to 50,000 fewer kWh a month. This has saved the City between $500 and $5000 monthly on energy costs.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Monika Mann (City Staff) | mmann@southstpaul.org | 6515543273

Efficient Existing Private Buildings {BP no.2}

1 star - Action 5:

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2010
Implementation details:
To promote water conservation, South St. Paul has a watering ordinance (§62-28) which regulates the times that residents may water their lawns. The Mayor also has the authority to declare a full watering ban.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://library.municode.com/mn/south_st._paul/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=SPAGEOR_CH62UT_ARTIIWASY_DIV1GE_S62-28WASPBA
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230

Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals {BP no.4}

1 star - Action 3:

Replace the city's existing street lighting with Dark Sky-compliant LEDs, modifying any city franchise/utility agreement and adding smart grid attributes.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of South St. Paul currently replaces all outdoor light fixtures in need of replacing with LED fixtures on all City owned buildings. While we do not have a formal policy, we find it to be a best practice, be energy efficient, and saving the City money in the long run. This takes place at City Hall, the Public Works facility, the SSP Public Library, the SSP Airport, the Doug Woog Arena and within the SSP Park’s system.

It fits into the City’s overall goal of sustainability and noting that the change is made at the time to replace which is not only more cost effective but less wasteful than immediately changing over all fixtures (including ones that currently work just fine).

Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230
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: 2018
Implementation details:
The City of South St. Paul has placed the LED Solar-powered flashing signage on 5th Avenue, a very busy street where elementary students cross daily. It is well received by the parents, students and school in making it a safer walk to school.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Dakota County and the South St. Paul School Disctrict
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230

Building Redevelopment {BP no.5}

2 star - Action 3:

Plan for reuse of large-format retail buildings, or work with a local school, church or commercial building to either add-on space or repurpose space into new uses.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
The long-vacant former Wells Fargo Building at 161 Concord Exchange North was sold in 2018 and repurposed into a 68 unit apartment complex. The unit mix mainly consists of 1-bedroom units in addition to a few studio and 2-bedroom units. The amenity-rich residential community will include in-unit washer/dryer, a full kitchen appliance package, an interior common room and workout facility. Façade improvements include new brick and glass at the existing entryways, new windows throughout and a rooftop community lounge and patio. A portion of the lower level will be converted to underground parking in addition to repurposing the drive through lanes for additional parking.

South St. Paul’s Economic Development Authority was able to offer the developer a site improvement grant to purchase the property as well as Tax Incremented Financing (TIF) to help finance the site.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.twincities.com/2017/12/04/long-vacant-south-st-paul-office-building-will-be-flipped-for-68-apartments/
Economic Development Authority
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230
2 star - Action 5:

Adopt development/design standards and programs that facilitate infill, redevelopment, and adaptable buildings.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
Both the South St. Paul “Economic Development Strategy 2017-2020” and 2040 Comprehensive Plan emphasize redevelopment. Due to the City being virtually “built-out”, the City is aware that redevelopment is the best strategy for the future. The Economic Development Authority has this in mind as projects come through. The Comprehensive Plan has a small section focusing on infill, adaptive reuse & redevelopment. Additionally, the City offers special financing options for redevelopment projects.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.southstpaul.org/DocumentCenter/View/3652/2017---2020-Economic-Development-Strategy-Guide-PDF?bidId=
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230

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 of South St. Paul adopted a comprehensive plan in June 2009, which includes a land use plan and vision. The resolution approving the comp plan is attached. The plan looks 20 years into the future to 2030. Attached is a link to the city's comprehensive plan.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://www.southstpaul.org/Index.aspx?NID=409
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230
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:
Section 118-2 of the city's zoning ordinance states the following regarding the relation of the zoning ordinance to the comprehensive plan:

It is the policy of the city that the enactment, amendment, and administration of this chapter be accomplished with due consideration of the recommendations contained in the comprehensive municipal plan as developed and amended from time to time by the planning commission. The city council recognizes the comprehensive municipal plan as the planning commission's recommendations for the regulations of use and development in accordance with the policies and purpose herein set forth.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230

Resilient City Growth {BP no.7}

1 star - Action 1:

Eliminate barriers and actively encourage higher density housing by including in the city zoning ordinance and zoning map:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Attached is page 56 of the comprehensive plan (housing chapter) which states that a majority of South St. Paul's housing stock was developed at densities of 7.5 units per acre.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230

Mixed Uses {BP no.8}

1 star - Action 2:

Locate or lease a property for use as a school, city building or other government facility that has at least two of these attributes:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
South St. Paul City Hall, South St. Paul Public Library, and Central Square (community center) are all located within the city's downtown, adjacent to a mix of residential and commercial uses, are well accessible by the sidewalk network, and accessible by bus transit (Metro Transit routes 68 and 71).
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230
3 star - Action 5:

Have a downtown zoning district that emphasizes small and destination business, entrepreneurial spaces, and allows or requires residential and residential-compatible commercial development.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city's C-1 (retail business district) allows for office, retail, educational, civic, and residential units all located within the same building. The city's downtown business district is primarily zoned C-1. The city's C-1 district regulations may be found in Section 118-126 at this link: https://www2.municode.com/library/mn/south_st._paul/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=SPBLADERE_CH118ZO_ARTIVDIRE_DIV1GE_S118-126REBUDI
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230

Transportation Transportation

Living & Complete Streets {BP no.11}

3 star - Action 1:

Adopt a complete streets policy, or a living streets policy, which addresses landscaping and stormwater.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
South St. Paul has long included many elements that are found in a Complete Streets Policy when adding, reconstructing or modifying roadways. The City official adopted the Complete Streets Policy in October of 2019.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230
1 star - Action 5:

Identify and remedy street-trail gaps between city streets and off-road trails/bike trails to better facilitate walking and biking.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019*
Implementation details:
South St. Paul completed its bicycle and pedestrian Plan in 2014 which identified Wentworth Avenue as a challenging walking and bicycling route. As a result of this study, Wentworth Avenue was determined to be an area of importance to address street-trail gaps. After receiving money from a Safe Routes to School grant, the City was able to put a sidewalk in along Wentworth Avenue in the summer of 2019.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
https://www.southstpaul.org/505/Wentworth-Avenue-Sidewalk
Safe Routes to School
For more information contact:
Monika Mann (City Staff) | mmann@southstpaul.org | 6515543273
1 star - Action 6:

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.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
In 2018, South St. Paul reconstructed Southview Boulevard and implemented traffic calming measures such as bump outs and intersection markings.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://clients.bolton-menk.com/southviewblvd/
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230

Mobility Options {BP no.12}

2 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:
Implementation details:
In 2014, the city of South St. Paul adopted a bike and pedestrian plan (attached). There was a substantial public engagement component that gathered feedback from residents and stakeholders regarding existing bike/ped issues and desired improvements. The bike/ped plan has an existing route map with future trails and bikeways identified.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230
1 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:
The city has an approved Safe Routes to School plan for Lincoln Center Elementary (attached). The plan made recommendations of which trails and pedestrian ways to get kids to school. The city is currently seeking funding sources to implement the recommendations of the plan.

#2 The City of South St. Paul, South St. Paul Police Department, the SSP Schools District, Dakota County Public Health and MN Safe Routes to School and Bike MN committee has formed and are developing a safe walk to school campaign and will host an event on May 8th in which all 4 schools in the school district will celebrate walking to schools. This will be a kick-off event to encourage walking to schools, educating the students and families and continuing to assess sidewalk needs in SSP
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
SSP School District
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230

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:
Implementation details:
The City of South St. Paul has administrative guidelines that when purchasing paper that it contains a minimum of 30 percent post-consumer recycled content. For the bulk everyday paper purchase, the City has one central person that buys in bulk so that the proper paper is purchased. (On a side note, the city is purchasing less paper because agendas and flyers to the schools are now all electronic. In addition, working with Dakota County and receiving funding for recycling the community, a requirement is a minimum of 30% post consumed recycled content.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230
1 star - Action 6:

Require printing services to be purchased from companies participating in Printing Industry Midwest’s Great Green Printer initiative, or certified by the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of South St. Paul mails out City Newsletters to the residents and uses GLS Companies for our newsletters. See attached.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://glsprecisionmarketing.com/about-us/certifications-standards
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230
2 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: 2018
Implementation details:
“The City of South St. Paul collects organics at City Hall for composting, and supplies compostable flatware in lunch rooms for employees. Large city events involving food have, and continue to use, compostable flatware to make the event more “green.” In addition, Organics collection had been present at “On The Road Again” in 2017 and 2018, offsetting the trash produced during the event.” In addition, other Community events has "gone green" and compostable (ie, Fill the Backpack Taco feed - all compostable, City Ribbon Cutting events - compostable items are used). At the Kaposia Days Parade, a group of youth is the Green Team and collects and sorts items from the parade goers and over 1/2 of the items were recycled instead of being placed in the landfill. When planning the events now. Going green is the norm. it is becoming the norm!
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Kaposia Days Parade: 31 bags of items collected - 17 were recycled
Annual Taco Feed: All items were recycled or composted
On the Road Again 2017 105 pounds of compostable items and 2018 85 pounds of composable items.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
On the Road Again Committee, Kaposia Days Committee, Mispah Lodge #191, the Croatian Hall
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230

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: 2020
Implementation details:
In 2015, the City Council passed Resolution 2015-181-“Endorsing the Protection of Pollinators and Enhancement of Pollinator Habitat” which states that the City is committed to promoting pollinator health through several measures including using pollinator-friendly plantings (aka native plantings) in public places such as City parks.

In 2020, City Staff decided to take this a step further by passing a native plant landscaping ordinance to clearly solidify the place of native plant landscaping. Up until this point, native plant landscape areas in residential or commercial areas lived in a grey area where they were not expressly allowed or prohibited but were subject to the standard weed nuisance height requirements. The new ordinance exempts native plant landscape areas from the weed nuisances rules, clearly defines that native plant landscape areas as allowed in residential districts and creates performance standards for native plant landscape areas.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230
3 star - Action 6:

Build community capacity to protect existing trees by one or more of:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
South Saint Paul established a Tree Management Plan in 2017 which includes an Emerald Ash Borer Strategy.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230

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: 2020
Implementation details:
Staff completed the Municipal Stormwater Management Assessment on April 13, 2020. While South St. Paul scored fairly low (15), staff intend to use many of the policies from the assessment to guide future stormwater management plans.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Monika Mann (City Staff) | mmann@southstpaul.org | 6515543273
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: 2018
Implementation details:
South St. Paul, in partnership with the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), is offering rebates to residents that install a rain barrel or rain garden for the cost of instillation. This rebate is through the "One Water" Grant Program. Any residents that took part in the Landscaping for Clean Water Workshop and installed a rain garden is eligible for the rain garden rebate. Residents that install a rain barrel did not need to take part in the Landscaping for Clean Water Workshop to be eligible to receive the grant.

Additionally, South St. Paul's Stormwater Runoff Design Standards encourages rain gardens, rain reuse, trees and tree planters and green roofs as a method of storm water volume control.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.southstpaul.org/680/Rebate---Rain-Barrel-Rain-Gardens
Soil and Water Conservation District
For more information contact:
Monika Mann (City Staff) | mmann@southstpaul.org | 6515543273

Parks and Trails {BP no.18}

2 star - Action 2:

Plan and budget for a network of parks, green spaces, water features and trails for areas where new development is planned.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Section 42-90 of the South St. Paul City Code states the following:

Sec. 42-90. - Dedication.

Pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 462.358, Subd. 2b(b), the city council shall require as a condition of approval of any plan, replat, or subdivision, one of the following:

(1)That a reasonable portion of the buildable land be dedicated to the public to be preserved for public uses such as, but not limited to a park, playground, trail, or open space;

(2)That an equivalent cash contribution be made to the special park fund; or

(3)That a partial dedication of land and cash be made pursuant to section 42-93, as determined by the city council.

This article applies to plats, replats or subdivisions that create at least one new platted lot, provide for at least one additional dwelling unit, or provide for at least one additional commercial, mixed-use, nonresidential, or industrial unit.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230
1 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:
The 2009 Comprehensive Plan states that there are 237 acres of park/recreation space in the city. With a population of 20,436, this equates to 11.6 acres of park land per 1,000 residents.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230
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:
Implementation details:
The city also adopted resolution 2015-181 (attached) which endorses the protection of pollinators and enhancement of pollinator habitat for bees and butterflies. It is a commitment to best practices to avoid neonicotinoids, which are toxic for bees and butterflies. The city commits to purchasing only bee/butterfly friendly fertilizer and plantings.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230
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:
Implementation details:
The City of South St. Paul hosts the following programs giving back to the community.
The City runs an Adopt a Street, Park and River Programs. The River is an annual community event, the street program requires 2 cleanups a year and we host park clean-ups in the spring. In addition, we have a Blooming Parks program where volunteers plant and maintain park and city entrance signs funded by the City and has a "Weed Be Goners Club, where volunteers get together and beatify areas around the City. The City also hosts an All City Clean-up Day in the spring.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:

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: 2010
Implementation details:
City Code § 118-169 refers to the Shorelands ordinance. The ordinance was created “in the interest of the public health, safety and welfare to provide guidance for wise development of shorelands of public waters and thus to preserve and enhance the quality of surface waters, preserve the economic and natural environmental values of shorelands, and provide for the wise utilization of water and related land resources of the state”.

Additionally the City has a Mississippi River Corridor Ordinance (§118-167) “to prevent and mitigate irreversible damage to the Mississippi River Corridor, to preserve and enhance its value to the public, and to protect and preserve the Mississippi River Corridor”.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://library.municode.com/mn/south_st._paul/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=SPBLADERE_CH118ZO_ARTIVDIRE_DIV2SPSPPUZODI_S118-167MIRICOZO
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230

Septic Systems {BP no.21}

2 star - Action 1:

Report to landowners suspected noncompliant or failing septic systems as part of an educational, informational and financial assistance and outreach program designed to trigger voluntary landowner action to improve septic systems.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
By County Ordinance and City Code, any septic systems with the City of South St. Paul are required to have periodic maintenance. In South St. Paul there are 14 septic systems and 29 holding tanks at the airport, all of which are governed by City and County Ordinance.

In 2016, South St. Paul entered into a joint powers agreement with Dakota County. Under this agreement, owners are notified that they need to pump their septic system every 3 years. The City provides the County with addresses that have septic systems while the County maintains a database of owners that have a septic system and maintain a database of all pumping maintenance. During this time, South St. Paul updated their City Code related to septic systems to reflect the joint powers agreement
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
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Dakota County
For more information contact:
Monika Mann (City Staff) | mmann@southstpaul.org | 6515543273

Local Air Quality {BP no.23}

3 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: 2017
Implementation details:
City Ordinance §110-152 regulates the use of outdoor burners/boilers, prohibits new outdoor burners/boilers and prohibits the use of outdoor burners/boilers after May 31, 2019.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
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Descriptive links:
https://library.municode.com/mn/south_st._paul/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=SPBLADERE_CH110EN_ARTIXOUBUBO_S110-152REOUBUBO
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230

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: 2019
Implementation details:
A small group of South St. Paul Staff work collaboratively to further the City’s progress in the GreenStep Cities Program. Additionally, a GreenSteps page is available on the City’s website to keep residents informed about the program.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.southstpaul.org/713/GreenStep-Cities
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230
2 star - Action 2:

Communicating Progress on Goals: Organize goals/outcome measures from all city plans (social, environmental, economic) and report to community members data that show progress toward meeting these goals.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
The Comprehensive Plan (and planning cycle) provides a unique opportunity for the City to set goals for the growth and progress of the City over the next 20 years. Residents are actively engaged as part of the Comprehensive Planning process in order to gain their input as the City creates goals for the Comprehensive Plan. The Implementation Chapter (Chapter 11) outlines specific goals and targets from each chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. This list guides staff in day-to-day decision making as well as provides staff with a to-do list for future projects.

Outside of Comprehensive Planning, staff are making an effort to increase public awareness of what is happening in the City as well as to get feedback from residents. 2019 was the first year since 2016 the City sent out performance review surveys to residents. The survey asked for feedback in 12 performance areas. The City received 206 responses which were reviewed by staff and included in the South St. Paul newsletter. Additionally, South St. Paul is now sending out newsletters every two months instead of every four months.

For residents that are interested, the Planning Commission and the Economic Development Authority have annual reports that are available on the City's website. These reports looks at the items that have been reviewed during the year. For residents that are interested in South St. Paul's GreenSteps progress, a link to the City's Greenstep site can be found under the Community Page.

Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
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For more information contact:
Monika Mann (City Staff) | mmann@southstpaul.org | 6515543273
2 star - Action 6:

Engaging the Next Generation: Engage wide representation of community youth and college students by creating opportunities to participate in city government (including commissions).

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2008
Implementation details:
The South St. Paul Mayor’s Youth Task force is made up of students in grades 5-12. The group has increased participation in the city’s annual food drive, provided fun events for other children in the community (ie. A pool party, annual water balloon fight), and promoted community education on various topics, including sustainability.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230

Green Business Development {BP no.25}

1 star - Action 4:

Strengthen value-added businesses utilizing local "waste" material.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
South Saint Paul is fortunate to have multiple businesses, including Danner Inc., S & S Tree and Horticultural Specialist, and Twin Cities Pallet, that find other uses for “waste” material. S & S Tree utilizes materials they removed to create mulch or other wood products. Danner Inc. crushes and reutilizes concrete from previous job sites. Twin Cities Pallet is able to recycle, re-purpose, and repair old pallets as well as create custom pallets from recycled materials.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
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For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230
1 star - Action 5:

Lower the environmental and health risk footprint of a brownfield remediation/redevelopment project beyond regulatory requirements; report brightfield projects.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2010
Implementation details:
In 2010, the City was awarded a grant through the EPA’s Brownfield Program to clean up the former Van Hoven Auxiliary site (455 Hardman Avenue). The site was used for parking and railroad storage for the Armour and Company meat processing facility. The soil onsite was contaminated with polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and other compounds. The site was also host to glass, brick, steal, slag and other debris that were left behind. The cleanup wrapped up in 2012 with all contaminated soil and buried debris being removed. The site has since been developed and is currently being used by a plumbing, heating and air service company.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://cfpub.epa.gov/bf_factsheets/gfs/index.cfm?xpg_id=7399&display_type=HTML
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230

Renewable Energy {BP no.26}

3 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: 2020
Implementation details:
In 2020, the City South St. Paul received Bronze designation in the SolSmart Program. SolSmart is led by The Solar Foundation and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office. More than 380 cities, counties, and small towns have achieved SolSmart designation since the program launched in 2016. To receive designation, cities and counties make changes to their local processes to reduce the time and money it takes to install a solar energy system. This includes evaluating local permitting processes, as well as planning and zoning procedures. During the summer of 2020, the City rewrote its solar ordinance to make the solar installation process easier and more straightforward. In addition, the City created a list of solar resources for residents and businesses that are interested in investing in solar energy systems. These resources include a solar permitting checklist, a list of organizations that offer solar financing options, and solar suitability mapping to help residents find the optimal location for solar on their property.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Monika Mann (City Staff) | mmann@southstpaul.org | 6515543273

Local Food {BP no.27}

2 star - Action 2:

Facilitate creation of home/community gardens, chicken & bee keeping, and incorporation of food growing areas/access in multifamily and residential developments.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Section 15-9 of the City Code permits residential chicken keeping. A permit is required for keeping chickens.

The city also adopted resolution 2015-181 (attached) which endorses the protection of pollinators and enhancement of pollinator habitat for bees and butterflies. It is a commitment to best practices to avoid neonicotinoids, which are toxic for bees and butterflies. The city commits to purchasing only bee/butterfly friendly fertilizer and plantings.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230
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:
Implementation details:
# 1The City of South St. Paul, along with Wakota Federal Credit Union hosts a weekly Farmers' Market. We work closely with the Saint Paul Farmers' Market (as one of the satellites) and offer fresh produce to the residents. In addition, the SSP Farmers Market will be the pilot project to reduce the use of single use plastic bags and will be distributed usable canvas bags and mesh bags for the patrons.

After each market, a community volunteer takes donated produce from the farmers to Neighbors, Inc for free distribution to their patrons.

#2 The City of South St. Paul has a Community Garden with 107 garden plots and offers the patrons the opportunities to rent a spot for the season.

#3 The South St. Paul Community Learning Center has a school garden that is planted and maintained by the students. This was started in 2017 and has had good success with the location and the students tending is during the school year and summer. The fresh produce is distributed to the local food shelf (Neighbors, Inc).

The City of South St. Paul has a comm
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://www.southstpaul.org/422/Community-Garden-Rental-Plots
Wakota Federal Credit Union - South St. Paul School District
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230

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: 2019
Implementation details:
South St. Paul is included in the Dakota County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan which is in place to prepare cities in Dakota County for extreme weather events. Within the city, Police Chief Bill Messerich is responsible for city preparedness and emergency response.

Residents of South St. Paul can sign up for Emergency Alert Notifications through Dakota County to keep them aware of emergency situations. The notification system allows you to specify how you would like to receive the emergency notification, such as your home, cell, email, text message, hearing impaired devices, and more.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
https://www.southstpaul.org/390/Emergency-Alert-Notification
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230