HomeMy WebLinkAboutEC Packet 5.13.2024City of Falcon Heights
Environment Commission
City Hall
2077 Larpenteur Avenue West
AGENDA
Monday, May 13, 2024
6:30 p.m.
A.CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL:Beth Mercer-Taylor (Chair) ____ Jared Mehlhaff ____
John Pellegrini (Vice-Chair) ____ Amy Christiansen ____
Emma Kostecki ____ Adam Keester ____
Pedro De Filippo Vannucci ____
Staff Liaison Lynch ____
Council Liaison Mielke ____
C.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
D.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.February 12, 2024
2. March 11, 2024
E. NEW BUSINESS
1.Partners in Energy Update
2. Boulevard Tree Replacement Discussion
F.INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Staff Liaison Report
2.Council Liaison Report
G.ADJOURN
Next regular meeting date: June 10, 2024
City of Falcon Heights
Environment Commission
City Hall
2077 Larpenteur Avenue West
Minutes
Monday, February 12, 2024
6:30 p.m.
A.CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 p.m.
B.ROLL CALL:Beth Mercer-Taylor (Chair) _X_
John Pellegrini (Vice-Chair) _X_ Jared Mehlhaff _X_
Emma Kostecki _A_ Amy Christiansen _A_
Pedro De Filippo Vannucci _X_ OEN
Staff Liaison Lynch _X_
C.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
D.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.January 8, 2024
Vice-Chair Pellegrini made a motion to approve the minutes from January 8, 2024. Minutes
were approved by consent.
E. NEW BUSINESS
1. 2024 Officer Nominations
Commissioners discussed officer nominations. Commissioner John Pellegrini nominated
Commissioner Beth Mercer-Taylor for Chair, Commissioner Pedro De Filippo Vannucci
nominated Commissioner John Pellegrini for Vice-Chair, and all Commissioners decided to
have Staff Liaison Lynch continue recording minutes as Secretary. A motion was made by
Commissioner Mercer-Taylor for these nominations. Motion was approved by consent.
2.Minnesota GreenCorps Discussion
Commissioners discussed the potential for the City to apply to receive a Minnesota
GreenCorps member for the next 11 months to work on environmental-related projects. This
is expected to be a 40-hour work week with at least 4-hours of supervision required. Projects
must fall within one of four categories: Community readiness and outreach, energy
conservation and green transportation, stormwater and forestry, or waste reduction and
recycling. After discussing each option and potential projects for each, Commissioner
Mercer-Taylor made a motion to direct Staff Liaison Lynch to apply for the Minnesota
GreenCorps Program with the focus on community readiness and outreach, seconded by
Commissioner De Filippo Vannucci. A vote was taken and all were in favor.
3.Bee Lawn Discussion
Staff Liaison Lynch stated contact was received by Kari Logan from Minnehaha Falls
Landscape about an educational opportunity for Falcon Heights residents about bee lawns.
Russ Henry and James Wolfin are bee lawn experts and offer a one-hour bee lawn
presentation for community groups. Commissioners discussed the opportunity and directed
Staff Liaison Lynch to find out more about the form of the presentation, and the possibility of
holding a community event. They also discussed potentially offering starter kits for these
lawns, or partnering with another city to make it a larger event. Staff Liaison Lynch will
discuss this with Kari Logan and bring more information back to the March meeting.
4.Partners in Energy Update
Staff Liaison Lynch gave an overview of the current status of the Partners in Energy
program. She reminded Commissioners of upcoming meetings including an Open House on
Wednesday, February 21 from 6-8 PM at City Hall, Workshop on Monday, March 18 at the
University of Minnesota Institute on the Environment LES-R370 from 6-8 PM, and a
second Open House on Wednesday, April 17 from 6-8 PM location TBD.
5. Nature Newsflash Calendar
Staff Liaison Lynch went through Nature Newsflash article ideas again to fill in more of the
calendar and advised she would keep it up to date and email it out periodically to
Commissioners.
F.Information and Announcements
1. Staff Liaison Report
Staff Liaison Lynch stated City Hall would be closed on Monday, February 19, 2024 for
President’s Day. She also let Commissioners know about two upcoming public hearings at
the Planning Commission meeting on February 27, 2024 regarding updating City Code to
include EVSE language and changing Hollywood Ct. to resident permit parking. Finally, she
told Commissioners about the Plastic Free February program currently being held by
Washington and Ramsey Counties.
G. Adjourn
Meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Next regular meeting date: March 11, 2024
City of Falcon Heights
Environment Commission
City Hall
2077 Larpenteur Avenue West
Minutes
Monday, March 11, 2024
6:30 p.m.
A.CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 p.m.
B.ROLL CALL:Beth Mercer-Taylor (Chair) _X_
John Pellegrini (Vice-Chair) _X_ Jared Mehlhaff _A_
Emma Kostecki _X_ Amy Christiansen _X_
Pedro De Filippo Vannucci _A_ Adam Keester _X_
Staff Liaison Lynch _X_
Council Liaison Mielke _X_
C.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
D.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. February 12, 2024
Staff Liaison Lynch noted some errors with the minutes from February 12, 2024. She stated
she would revise and bring back for the April 8, 2024 meeting.
E. NEW BUSINESS
1.Partners in Energy Update
Staff Liaison Lynch provided a draft PowerPoint presentation from the Partners in Energy
team that is to be presented at the March 18, 2024 Energy Action Team workshop. The
Commission went through the PowerPoint to consider the data to be presented and generate
questions. There was a lot of discussion about the accuracy of the data, whether or not it was
all including the State Fair and University of Minnesota data usage, and the ability to count
renters in this and how to reach out to the renters.
F. Information and Announcements
1. Staff Liaison Report
Staff Liaison Lynch stated the MN GreenCorps application is due on Wednesday. She asked
briefly for additional guidance on the submission. The Environment Commission directed her
to apply for the GreenCorps member to assist with reaching multifamily property owners and
residents with promoting energy efficiency within their buildings and apartments.
Staff Liaison Lynch updated the Commission on the Purple Air Quality Monitoring project.
She stated there is a monitor currently up and running at John Pellegrini’s home, City Hall,
and soon to be one running at Falcon Heights Elementary School.
Finally, she stated there have been a lot of solar webinars about upcoming grants for solar
installations on municipal buildings. She is working to learn more about these and hopefully
apply for them in the fall.
2.Council Liaison Report
Council Liaison Mielke informed Commissioners about the policing survey now out in the
City about partnering with St. Anthony Village for police services and encouraged all
residents to take this survey. She stated there will also be multiple community engagement
opportunities, both at Falcon Heights City Hall and St. Anthony Village City Hall, to
discuss with City Council members.
G. Adjourn
Meeting was adjourned at 8:27 p.m.
Next regular meeting date: April 8, 2024
ITEM FOR DISCUSSION
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota
__________________________
Item Partners in Energy Update
Description The City of Falcon Heights has partnered with Xcel Energy and MNCEE to join
the Partners in Energy Program. This is a brief overview of the current status
of the program and upcoming events.
Budget Impact None.
Attachment(s) Lunch and Learn Presentation
Action(s)
Requested
Staff requests Environment Commission discuss Partners in Energy
program.
Meeting Date May 13, 2024
Agenda Item E-1
Attachment See notes below.
Submitted By Hannah Lynch, Community
Development Coordinator / Planner
FALCON HEIGHTS ENERGY ACTION PLAN
FALCON HEIGHTS, MN
5/3/24
OBJECTIVES
Partners in Energy Clarifications
Energy Action Team Survey Review and Decisions
Xcel Energy Program Snapshot
Spring Together planning review
Discuss the Final Workshop and Next Steps
2
Energy Action Team
Survey Results
Vision….
Falcon Heights
prioritizes energy
strategies that lead to a
sustainable and
equitable future.
3
FOCUS AREA
4
FOCUS AREA
5
STRATEGY APPROACH:
ENERGY EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Lower usage rewards
Set EUI, Efficiency and Renewable Goals
Energy burden and renter outreach
Commercial property owner outreach
Engaging the U of MN and State Fair
Energy tours
School outreach
Outreach though neighborhood liaisons
6
GOAL LANGUAGE AND MODELING
Ambition Level and Timeframe
7
GOAL LANGUAGE AND MODELING
1.Engagement in energy action
2.Energy Savings
3.Cost Savings
Falcon Heights will increase our energy savings by XX% while reaching
XXXX residents and businesses with energy programs and resources by
2030. This will result in XX dollars saved by our community members and
businesses.
8
HOW WE MEASURE AND MODEL
Xcel Energy Programs have energy savings tied to them
Make assumptions on projected participation based on historical data and strategies
Use participation and consumption data to measure toward progress
E.G. Home Energy Squad savings averages XX MMBTU in savings….XX number of visits
can lead to XX Savings.
9
MID-AMBITION GOAL
10
1.Engagement in energy action
Increased participation in RES programs like Home Energy Squad, Insulation Rebate, and Residential Heating and Cooling
Increased participation CI programs like HVAC+R Efficiency, Lighting Efficiency, and Multi -Family Building Efficiency
2.Energy Savings
Participation in these programs leads to electric (kWh) and natural gas (therm) savings
3.Cost Savings
Energy savings can lead to cost savings
Falcon Heights will increase our energy savings by 50% while reaching 1,700 residents and
businesses with energy programs and resources by 2030. This will result in $450,000 dollars
saved by our community members and businesses.
QUESTIONS:
What can Xcel do today to encourage lower energy use and reward those who conserve? Things
predicted by 2040 are hard to understand and when things we all can do today can make a big
difference, why not focus on those?
It would seem particularly helpful if there were explanations of how to achieve particular metrics or
how big of an impact particular actions would have. For e.g., if x number of Falcon Heights homes
participated in program y, the greenhouse gas emission reduction would be z.
Goals require detailed plans of action. Accomplishing plans requires resources and so far we haven't
been given information about what resources would be available for carrying out plans.
We want a medium -term plan that is AMBITIOUS enough to meet science -based standards from Paris
Agreement, which means rapid deployment of efficiency and clean energy.
11
DATA UPDATES
Drone thermal imaging data (Warren Example)
Recommendation to move to plan strategy
Monthly breakdown of usage
UMN stated not much different. Expect spike for State Fair. – Heavy lift for little info.
Recommend moving partnership with SF to strategy and see if we can get the inside
scoop.
12
DATA FOLLOW UP: INCREASE IN RESIDENTIAL PREMISES IN
2022
13
DATA FOLLOW UP: TOP QUINTILE CONSUMING MORE OVER
TIME
14
15
UTILITY PROGRAMS AND OFFERINGS
16
UTILITY PROGRAMS
Xcel Energy offers programs to help residents and
businesses become more energy efficient and
support renewable energy
Programs delivered as part of Energy Conservation
and Optimization Act, overseen by Department of
Commerce
Data is available to track participation and associated
savings for these programs from utilities
Information easily accessible online on utility
websites
17
XCEL ENERGY TRIENNIAL AND PROPOSED CHANGES
2024-2026 Triennial started January 2024
Increased rebates for several income qualified programs
Non-Profit Energy Savings Program
Low Income Multi Family Building Efficiency Program
Home Energy Savings Program
New electric lawn care equipment rebates available now
Additional measures available in some programs that allow for rebates for fuel switching i.e. switching from a gas furnace to a heat pump. Includes rebates for:
Air source heat pumps
Insulation and air sealing
Heat Pump Water heaters
18
TYPES OF XCEL ENERGY PROGRAMS
19
Building Assessments: Help a business review and
understand their energy use
Equipment Rebates: Rebates for high-efficiency equipment to
help reduce upfront costs
Building & Remodeling: Programs to provide guidance and
support on building an energy efficient building
Demand Management and Rate Options : Programs to help
reduce demand and options for special rates to reduce bills
Renewable Energy: Programs help customers access
renewable electricity sources like on-site or subscriptions
Electric Vehicles: Programs helps customers install charging
stations, evaluate their fleets, and access special rate options
INFLATION
REDUCTION ACT
RESOURCE
GUIDE
IRA programs for residents, businesses, and local governments
Connects and stacks IRA programs with utility programs
Visit https://xcelenergycommunities.com/iraguide
20
PROGRAM PARTICIPATION AND SAVINGS IN XCEL ENERGY
ENERGY EFFICIENCY OFFERINGS
21
Sector Avg.
Participation
Total Avg.
Savings (kWh)
Total Avg.
Savings (therms)
Residential 200 35,374 15,660
Income Qualified 2 517 63
Commercial/Industrial 32 186,183 23,326
Low-income programs include Home Energy Savings Program, Low-income Home Energy Squad, and Multi -family Energy Savings
(MESP) Program. Participation and savings from MESP not included in “Residential” to avoid double counting.
SOURCE: Xcel Energy Partners in Energy 2021-2023 baseline
22
MORE RESIDENTIAL PARTICIPANTS IN SOLAR*REWARDS
COMMUNITY
Community Solar Gardens - Solar*Rewards Community®
2023 Residential Commercial &
Industrial Municipal
Subscriber Count 25 5 6
Total Annual Electricity Subscribed (kWh)169,924 180,904 55,508
SOURCE: Xcel Energy Partners in Energy, 2023
Note: Program changed in 2024 to be managed by Department of Commerce.
23
SUBSCRIPTION RENEWABLES AND ON -SITE SOLAR MORE
POPULAR WITH RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS
2022
Residential Commercial &
Industrial
Subscription Programs - Windsource® & Renewable*Connect ®
(Windsource® is now Renewable * Connect Flex)
Subscriber Count 180 0
Total Annual Electricity Subscribed (kWh)818,449 0
On-site Solar - Solar*Rewards® and Net-Metering
Subscriber Count 36 5
Total Electricity Capacity (kW)244 696
SOURCE: Xcel Energy Partners in Energy 2022, Falcon Heights Xcel Energy Community Energy Report, 2022
RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS
24
Source: Microsoft Online Images
RESIDENTIAL HOME ENERGY SQUAD ®
Home energy audit program
Available to 1-4 unit properties
Starts with a free pre-visit virtual consultation
Two in -home visit options
Energy Saver Visit ($70): Installation of energy saving materials (LED lightbulbs,
weather stripping, programable thermostats, HE water fixtures)
Energy Planner Visit ($100): Installation of materials AND blower door test,
insulation inspections, and safety test on heating systems
No-cost visit for eligible households
25
kWh
therms
RESIDENTIAL REBATES FOR HEATING & COOLING
AND WATER HEATING
Rebates for high -efficiency equipment
Air-source heat pumps
Central air conditioners
Furnaces
Water Heaters
Recommended action during a Home Energy Squad visit
Rebates now available for beneficial fuel -switching (as long
as it improves efficiency)
26
kWh
therms
XCEL ENERGY RESIDENTIAL REFRIGERATOR RECYCLING
$50 rebate to recycle a working refrigerator or
freezer
No cost to participate
Xcel Energy contractor picks up and recycles
the refrigerator for you
Will take dehumidifiers and room/window AC
units if contractor is already there to pick up a
refrigerator/freezer (no additional incentive for
these)
Residential customers only
27
kWh
therms
XCEL ENERGY HOME LIGHTING PROGRAM
Up to $3 discount on ENERGY STAR LEDs
Discount found at local retailers (i.e. Home
Depot, Walmart, Costco, Dollar Tree)
Find participating retailers and bulb details at
xcelenergy.com/lightingdeals
ENERGY STAR LEDs save about $55 in
electricity costs over their lifetime and last at
least 13 years.
28
kWh
therms
XCEL ENERGY RESIDENTIAL SMART THERMOSTAT & AC
REWARDS
Rebates for a smart (wi-fi enabled) thermostat
AC Rewards program helps utility manage peaks when
electricity use is the highest
Xcel Energy will make adjustments to your smart thermostat
during the hottest days
Enrollment bonus ($75) and an annual bill credit ($25)
Recommended action during a Home Energy Squad visit
29
kWh
therms
RESIDENTIAL INSULATION REBATES
Rebates for air sealing and insulation upgrades
Must work with an Xcel Energy qualified contractor
Recommended action during a Home Energy Squad
visit
Rebate provided based on the home’s fuel source for
heating
30
kWh
therms
XCEL ENERGY RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM PARTICIPATION AND
SAVINGS (MMBTU) IN AN AVERAGE YEAR
31
SOURCE: Xcel Energy Partners in Energy 2021-2023 baseline
87
7 11
39
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
0
200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
1,400
Residential Heating and
Cooling
Insulation Rebate Home Energy Squad Smart Thermostat PartcipantsMMBtuTotal Electric Savings (MMBtu)Total Gas Savings (MMBtu)Participants
32
XCEL ENERGY RESIDENTIAL PER PARTICIPANT PROGRAM
IMPACT IN AN AVERAGE YEAR IN FALCON HEIGHTS
Program Total
Participants
kWh Savings
per Participant
Therms Savings
per Participant
Dollar
Savings
per Participant
Pounds GHG
Avoided
per Participant
Residential
HVAC 87 235 140 $127 1,766
Insulation
Rebate 7 207 344 $271 4,143
Home Energy
Squad 11 520 34 $83 692
Smart
Thermostat 39 28 10 $10 129
Refrigerator
Recycling 7 850 0 $96 476
SOURCE: Xcel Energy Partners in Energy 2021-2023 baseline
COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROGRAMS
33
Source: Microsoft Online Images
NEW CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION PROGRAMS
Programs for new construction and
major renovations for residential,
multifamily and commercial buildings
Energy savings varies greatly based
on size and type of building
Participation has to happen early in
design process
34
kWh
therms
Programs:
▪Energy Design Assistance (EDA) for
larger commercial and industrial
buildings
▪Energy Efficient Buildings (EEB)
program for smaller commercial and
industrial buildings
▪Efficient New Home Construction for
residential homes
XCEL ENERGY COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL LIGHTING
EFFICIENCY
Rebates for replacing and retrofitting energy efficient
lighting
Often for LED replacements but can also include
controls
Low-hanging fruit for most businesses
35
kWh
therms
XCEL ENERGY COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL HVAC+R
REBATES
Rebates for high-efficiency heating, ventilation,
air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC+R)
rebates
Examples include rooftop units, chillers, heat
pumps, water heaters, motors, defrosting
controls, etc.
36
kWh
therms
ONE-STOP EFFICIENCY SHOP ® (FUNDED BY XCEL ENERGY)
Energy assessments for small and medium -sized
businesses
One-Stop Efficiency Shop has no cost for
participation
Looks at lighting and HVAC equipment, possible
free smart thermostat
Project implementation support along the way
including rebate application support
37
kWh
therms
XCEL ENERGY BUSINESS ENERGY ASSESSMENTS
Energy assessments help business identify energy -
saving projects
Variety of assessments available to meet the needs and
size of the business
Costs of energy assessments vary based on the customer
need and how in-depth the visit is
Customers receive a “roadmap” with options ranging
from no- and low-cost options to more in -depth
investments
Project implementation support along the way
38
kWh
therms
MULTI-FAMILY BUILDING EFFICIENCY PROGRAM
Free whole-building energy assessment for 5+ multi-
family buildings
Includes on -the-spot installations in common areas,
like LED bulbs
Bonus rebates for projects recommended in the
assessment
New in 2024: Low-Income MFBE Program with:
200% more bonus rebates available for income -qualified
buildings
Attic, wall insulation benefits
New boiler rebates
39
kWh
therms
XCEL ENERGY RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM PARTICIPATION AND
SAVINGS (MMBTU) IN AN AVERAGE YEAR
40
SOURCE: Xcel Energy Partners in Energy 2021-2023 baseline
19
2
1
5
1
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
HVAC+R Efficiency Multi-Family Building
Efficiency
Lighting Efficiency Smart Thermostat for
Businesses
Small Business
Lighting PartcipantsMMBtuTotal Electric Savings (MMBtu)Total Gas Savings (MMBtu)Participants
41
XCEL ENERGY COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL PER PARTICIPANT
PROGRAM IMPACT IN AN AVERAGE YEAR IN FALCON HEIGHTS
Program Total
Participants
kWh Savings
per Participant
Therms
Savings
per Participant
Dollar
Savings
per Participant
Pounds GHG
Avoided
per Participant
HVAC+R Efficiency 19 706 201 $180 2,746
Multi-Family
Building Efficiency 2 10,545 522 $1,225 12,010
Lighting Efficiency 1 20,295 0 $1,766 11,357
Smart Thermostat
for Businesses 5 259 51 $53 746
Small Business
Lighting 1 4,428 0 $385 2,478
SOURCE: Xcel Energy Partners in Energy 2021-2023 baseline
RENEWABLE ENERGY
42
Source: Microsoft Online Images
RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAMS
Programs for residents and businesses
Support renewable energy on the grid or on your
building
Renewable Energy Credits (REC) help track if your
electricity is generated from renewable sources
Important to think about for greenhouse gas
emissions reduction goals
1 REC = attributes from 1 MWH renewable energy
43
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY
RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAMS
ON-SITE PROGRAMS
Helps you install solar PV on your home or
building.
Solar*Rewards ®
Net Metering
SUBSCRIPTION PROGRAMS
Subscription to a renewable energy system
(solar or wind) off-site. Accessible to renters
with no equipment needed.
Renewable*Connect Flex
Solar*Rewards Community ®
44
203 36 41
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
45
XCEL ENERGY RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAM
PARTICIPATION IN FALCON HEIGHTS, 2023
Renewable*Connect –
Utility Subscription Programs
Residential 203
Municipal 0
Commercial/Industrial 0
Solar*Rewards and Net Metering -
On -site Solar
Residential 36
Commercial/Industrial 5
Solar*Rewards Community -
Community Solar Gardens
Residential 25
Municipal 6
Commercial/Industrial 5
SOURCE: Xcel Energy Partners in Energy, 2023; Falcon Heights Community Energy Report, 2022
Total
280
SPRING TOGETHER: MAY 18
Two Partners in Energy
Tables
Engagement:
Showcase Data
Gain Input on Goals and Strategies
Kids Games
Food and Swag: Cookies,
Candy, LEDs, Other Xcel
Energy Swag
46
SPRING TOGETHER
47
PLANNING WORKSHOPS AND OUTREACH
Open HouseWorkshop 1
February
21
City Hall
Energy Action TeamWorkshop 2
March 18
6-8:30pm
U of MN Open House/DATALunch and
Learn
5/3
Spring
Together
5/18 Energy Action TeamFinal
Workshop
June 11
6-8:30pm
U of MN
48
Community Energy Survey
TaskJan Feb Mar April May Jun Jul Aug Sept
Baseline Analysis
Workshop #1 Open House 2/21
Workshop #2 3/18
Office Hour 5/3
Workshop #3 Open House 5/18
Workshop #4 6/11
Community and Council Approval
Energy Action Plan Development
49
PLANNING TIMELINE
WHAT ARE YOUR QUESTIONS?
50
ITEM FOR DISCUSSION
City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota
__________________________
Item Boulevard Tree Replacement Program
Description
The City of Falcon Heights has been removing diseased boulevard trees over
the past few years, and there has not been a program to replace these. Trees are
an important part of the community and to environmental efforts to reduce the
heat island effect.
Budget Impact None.
Attachment(s) None.
Action(s)
Requested
Staff requests Environment Commission discuss ways to replace boulevard
trees and options for funding.
Meeting Date May 13, 2024
Agenda Item E-2
Attachment See notes below.
Submitted By Hannah Lynch, Community
Development Coordinator / Planner