City Detail

Background Information

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

GreenStep Coordinator

Matthew Schuth
City Staff
507-647-5306
City web page relating to sustainability/GreenStep activities:
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

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.

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:
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.

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:
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.

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:
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.

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:
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.

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:
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.

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
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.

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
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.

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
For more information contact:
Melissa Lorenz (City staff) | cityclerk@winthropminnesota.com | 507-647-5306