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NRC Packet 09132023NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION AGENDA MENDOTA HEIGHTS CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS Wednesday September 13, 2023 5:00 p.m. 1.Call to Order 2.Roll Call 3.Adopt Agenda 4.Approval of Minutes a.Approval of August 9, 2023 Natural Resources Commission MeetingMinutes 5.Public Comment Period (for items not on the agenda) 6.New Business a.Oak Award Program b.Natural Resources Commission Site Tour c.Natural Resources 2024 Preliminary Budget Request 7.Old Business a.Student Commissioner Recruitment b.Partners in Energy Program c.Committee Reports – Workplan•Ordinance and Policy Development•Education and Outreach•Urban Forestry•Green Steps•Sustainability 8.Staff Announcements 9.Commission Comments 10.Adjourn Alternative formats or auxiliary aids are available to individuals with disabilities upon request. Pleasecontact City Hall at 651-452-1850 or cityhall@mendotaheightsmn.gov. 1 NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION AGENDA MENDOTA HEIGHTS CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS Wednesday August 9, 2023, 6:00 p.m. Draft Meeting Minutes The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission was held on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at Mendota Heights City Hall; 1101 Victoria Curve. 1.Call to Order Vice-Chair Tupper called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. 2.Roll Call Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter called the roll. Commissioners present: Husbands, Stein, Tupper, McCaslin, Knosalla, and Fahnhorst. Commissioners Absent: Chair Swank and Student Commissioner Byrnes. Staff present: Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter and Assistant City Administrator Kelly Torkelson. 3.Adopt Agenda Motion to approve the agenda by Stein, second by Fahnhorst. Motion passed 6-0. 4.Approval of Minutes a.Approval of July, 12, 2023 Natural Resources Commission Meeting Minutes Motion to approve the minutes by Husbands, second by McCaslin. Motion passed 6-0. 5.Public Comment Period (for items not on the agenda) N/A 6.New Business a.New Commissioner Introduction Assistant City Administrator Torkelson introduced Lori Knosalla as the newest member to joint the commission. Her term will expire on January 31, 2024 and could be reappointed after that time if she re-applies. Commissioner Knosalla is a new Mendota Heights resident, originally from Minneapolis. Her educational background is in Natural Resources Science and Management, and currently works in the field of Forestry and Responsible Resources. The commissioners welcomed Commissioner Knosalla. b.City Hall Adopt-a-Drain Naming Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter shared information regarding the Adopt-a-Drain program, noting the purpose is to reduce the amount of debris entering surface waters via storm drains. 2 4a. The City is a program partner through the Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization. The City has adopted a drain at City Hall. Residents who adopt a drain can name their drain. The City is looking for input as to a name for the drain at City Hall. Vice-chair Tupper suggested using Social Media to encourage engagement. Similar to the MN-DOT snowplow naming, residents can share input. Commissioner Knosalla suggested pairing this community feedback with the new rollout of the City’s new Instagram account. Assistant City Administrator Torkelson noted that the hope is that residents will name their own drains, and that the City sets the first example. She suggested that the commission name the City’s drain. Commissioner Fahnhorst suggested “The Grate One”. Vice-chair Tupper suggested “Clean Water Heights”, “Little Levine”, and “Small Town, Big Drain”. Commissioner McCaslin suggested “Midnight Drain to Georgia” and “The Name Your Own Drain Drain”. Commissioner Knosalla suggested “Join the Name a Drain Train”. Vice-chair Tupper asked if all the drain names need to be unique. Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter will return with an answer, and noted you can look online and see the current list of drain names. Commissioner Stein suggested “Purple Drain”. Assistant City Administrator Torkelson asked the commission how they’d like to proceed. Commissioner Fahnhorst suggested selecting a name tonight and voting for three to whittle it down. Motion to nominate “Clean Water Heights” as the City Hall’s drain name by Husbands. Second by Fahnhorst. Motion passes 6-0. c.Fall Tree Planting Event Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter shared information regarding the initiative of hosting a tree planting event. Staff is asking the Commission for feedback on their level of involvement in completing this event this fall. Coordinator Spreiter offered a few date suggestions. Commissioner Husbands asked for clarification on the details of the event. Coordinator Spreiter shared that the Commission can determine the location and the number of trees. She added that the City would open this event up to volunteers. 3 Commissioner Husbands noted there are three dead trees in Marie Park and suggested this location to plant new trees. Commissioner Fahnhorst noted the work session in September should be a priority and doesn’t want to overload the commission. Vice-chair Tupper suggested October as a good month to do a tree planting and supports moving forward with the event. Commissioner Stein agrees that it’s a good ides to hold this event, and to use the trees that the City has in the gravel bed. Vice-chair Tupper polled the Commission and most of them agreed that October 5 would be a good date. Commissioner McCaslin commented that the tree species should be what determines the planting locations. 7.Old Business a.Cliff Timm Memorial Fishing Derby Report Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter provided a recap of the event that was held on July 20th. The City holds this event annually and this year there were around 90 attendees. Natural Resources staff provided interactive exhibits on stormwater education. Recycling Coordinator Selstad provided interactive exhibits on recycling. b.Natural Resources Commission Site Tour Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter asked the commission to offer dates for a site tour. Vice-chair Tupper reminded the commission that this tour could also be open to the City Councilmembers and other City Commissioners; not open to the public. The commissioners each offered their availability. Commissioner Husbands suggested the idea of replacing the September Commission meeting with the Site Tour. Commissioner Knosalla noted that removing the commission meeting would hold up the work proposed for the tree planting event. Coordinator Spreiter suggested finalizing details of the tree planting event over email. Vice-chair Tupper asked if an item regarding the structure of the awards program could be added to the work session agenda. Assistant City Administrator Torkelson replied that the work session agenda is full. Vice-chair Tupper suggested another option of holding the site tour prior to the September Commission meeting. She added the option to bike the tour. Commissioner Husbands asked what the goal of the site tour is. Vice-chair Tupper replied that it’s an opportunity to visit City parks, to see what projects have been completed or could be completed, and to network with other commissioners. 4 Coordinator Spreiter commented that the tour could encompass two sites within Valley Park that are budget items. This could be done in about an hour. Commissioner Husbands asked how this tour would compare to the site tour that the Parks and Recreation Commission holds. The commission came to the consensus of moving the September Commission meeting to 5:00pm with a site tour to follow around 6:30pm. Staff will communicate with other City Commissions to invite them to join. c.Committee Reports •Ordinance and Policy Development Commissioner Fahnhorst will incorporate suggestions given by fellow commissioners regarding the ordinance document draft. •Education and Outreach Vice-chair Tupper noted the committee hasn’t met yet regarding the draft award categories program. They plan to meet prior to the September commission meeting. •Urban Forestry Commissioner Husbands noted they discussed a potential space in Marie Park that’s available for rehabilitation. She shared some details on recommendations received by Coordinator Spreiter. A potential rehabilitation project could be funded by the tree city budget line item yet this fall. Commissioner McCaslin mentioned a few similar programs used by the City of St. Louis Park that could be used as good examples. Commissioner Husbands would like to give trees away to residents in an effort to plant trees along public roads but on the private property side of the boulevard. •Green Steps Staff are waiting until the City Council reviews budget recommendations before bringing an update back to the commission and next steps. •Sustainability Commissioner Stein noted they’ve been discussing the Xcel Energy “Partner in Energy Program” and determined that the estimated staff time for Coordinator Spreiter would be five to ten hours per week. They’ll bring that up at the September work session to determine the priorities with this project. •Workplan Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter read the goals for quarter three in the workplan. Vice-chair Tupper asked for a plan to integrate Commissioner Knosalla into one of the committees. Coordinator Spreiter replied that she asked Commissioner Knosalla which committee she’d be interested in joining and will inform the commission when the final decision has been made. 5 8.Staff Announcements Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter noted the annual Parks Celebration will be happening all weekend with plenty of events. The master gardeners and Recycling Coordinator will be at the Open House event at Mendakota Park on Saturday. The City will host a mattress recycling event on August 19th at Mendakota Park. Assistant City Administrator Torkelson stated the City has launched a new Instagram account using the handle @MendotaHeightsMN. She also stated that Student Commissioner Byrnes has completed her term and the City will be looking for another Student Commissioner soon. 9.Commission Comments Commissioner Stein recognized ISD 197 for receiving a 2023 Energy Efficient and Healthy Safe Schools award from several agencies. 10.Adjourn Motion to adjourn the meeting by Husbands, second by Knosalla. Motion passed 6-0. Vice-Chair Tupper adjourned the meeting at 7:04pm. 6 DATE: September 13, 2023 TO: Natural Resources Commission FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator SUBJECT: Oak Award Program Background The Education and Outreach Committee of the Natural Resources Commission has developed draft criteria for the Oak Awards Program, as a means to fulfill the initiative of ‘Administration and development of an award/recognition program for community stewardship efforts’ under Goal 2 of the Commission’s 2023 Work Plan. The proposed program is entitled the Oak Awards Program with the purpose of encouraging and recognizing leadership, education/outreach, and project efforts that advance natural resources within the city. The proposed Oak Awards program includes the following annual awards: •Acorn award – recognizes exemplary youth leadership in the advancement of our city’s natural resources. For example, a youth-led native planting project or education event. •Leaf award – recognizes significant contributions of an individual, family, company or organization that has demonstrated substantial leadership for the stewardship of our city’s natural resources. For example, a community organization native planting effort with widespread reach or coordination of a neighborhood-wide adopt-a-drain effort. •Canopy award – recognizes lifetime achievement of an individual, family, company or organization that has demonstrated extraordinary leadership for the stewardship of our city’s natural resources. For example, an individual who has initiated several or successive natural resource stewardship efforts or an organization that leads by example and has worked over time to cultivate natural resource stewardship in the community. Under the proposed program, any individual, family, company, or organization that has contributed to the advancement of natural resources would be eligible. Self-nominations or nominations of others are both accepted. Nominees are to be evaluated based on the quality of the nomination, demonstration of impact and inclusion of collaboration or community-building efforts. Nominations are to be accepted each fall, evaluated by the seven-member Natural Resource Commission members, and awarded in January of the following year. The attached draft of the program criteria and nomination form provide further information on details of the program. 7 6a. Requested Action The Commission is invited to discuss the proposed program, and if it so wishes, provide recommendation to City Council. 8 Mendota Heights Oak Awards Program 1 About the Mendota Heights Oak Awards Program What is the Mendota Heights Oak Awards Program? The Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission sponsors the Oak Awards Program to celebrate leadership, education/outreach, and project efforts that advance natural resources within the city. The Awards program was created in 2023 by the newly established Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission. The Oak Awards program includes the following annual awards: •Acorn award – recognizes exemplary youth leadership in the advancement of our city’s natural resources. For example, a youth-led native planting project or education event. •Leaf award – recognizes significant contributions of an individual, family, company or organization that has demonstrated substantial leadership for the stewardship of our city’s natural resources. For example, a community organization native planting effort with widespread reach or coordination of a neighborhood-wide adopt-a-drain effort. •Canopy award – recognizes lifetime achievement of an individual, family, company or organization that has demonstrated extraordinary leadership for the stewardship of our city’s natural resources. For example, an individual who has initiated several or successive natural resource stewardship efforts or an organization that leads by example and has worked over time to cultivate natural resource stewardship in the community. Who is eligible and how are nominations evaluated? Any individual, family, company, or organization that has contributed to the advancement of natural resources is eligible. Self-nominations or nominations of others are both accepted. Nominees are evaluated based on the quality of the nomination, demonstration of impact and inclusion of collaboration or community-building efforts. Nominations are accepted each fall, evaluated by the seven-member Natural Resource Commission members, and awarded in January of the following year. Nominations can be submitted online through the City’s website or by dropping the nomination off at City Hall. Why is the Mendota Heights Oak Awards Program important? Natural resources are the basis of Mendota Heights’ character and quality of life, beloved by residents, and appreciated by visitors. Important natural resources, especially the functioning natural areas that support “ecosystem services,” greatly benefit the health of our community. Water purification and regulation, groundwater recharge, urban heat island mitigation, fish and wildlife habitat, pollinator and crop support, and recreational pleasure — these are just a few of the ecosystem services that natural resources provide. Encouraging stewardship of the city’s natural resources will provide greater enjoyment to the community, better quality habitat for plants and wildlife, and a healthier, more resilient environment. 9 6a1. Mendota Heights Oak Awards Program 2 10 Mendota Heights Oak Awards Program 3 Mendota Heights Oak Awards Nomination Form [insert application instructions including submission location/link and applicable dates] Nominee Nominator Award Category (Acorn, Leaf, or Canopy) 1.Please describe the nominee’s leadership, education/outreach, or project effort that is contributing to the advancement of natural resources in Mendota Heights (e.g., what, why, when, where, how, who). 2.How has the nominee’s leadership, education/outreach, or project efforts led to demonstrable or ongoing advancement of the City’s natural resources? 3.How has the nominee collaborated with other community members or partners in their effort to advance natural resources in Mendota Heights? 4.Please attach any supportive materials, including but not limited to project photos or drawings, education/outreach materials, or other collateral. 11 Mendota Heights Oak Awards Program 4 Mendota Heights Oak Award Program Scoring Rubric Nominee Evaluator Evaluation Rubric Criteria Minimal (0) Developing (1) Effective (2) Exceptional (3) Score 1 Quality of nomination Incomplete, one or more items is missing from submission Nomination offers broad statements without specific examples Nomination outlines responses with specific examples Nominations provides in- depth responses with specific examples 2 Demonstrable or ongoing impact of efforts Minimal impact demonstrated One-time or small-scale effort with some impact One-time or developing effort that supports high- level impact Replicable or established effort that supports high- level impact 2 Inclusion of collaboration or community- building Does not demonstrate partnering or collaboration Some partnership or collaboration demonstrated Better than average partnership or collaboration Significant and substantive partnership or collaboration Evaluator comments: 12 DATE: September 13, 2023 TO: Natural Resources Commission FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator SUBJECT: Natural Resources Commission Site Tour Background At the August 9th Natural Resources Commission meeting, the Commission discussed the Natural Resources Site Tour initiative under Goal 2: Education and Outreach. Commissioners gave their feedback on project sites to visit, as well as logistics. A consensus was reached by the Commission to hold the site tour after the September 13th Commission meeting, as well as to move the regular commission meeting to a 5:00 PM start time to allow time for the tour. The Commission will visit Valley Park North, and tour the following on-going and potential projects: •Valley Park Pollinator Corridor •Valley Park Forest Enhancement – North •Valley Park Forest Enhancement – S.-Central •Valley Park NW Forest Enhancement •Valley Park E. Forest Enhancement •Valley Park South Oak/Aspen Knoll Enhancement Further information on the characteristics and plant communities of Valley Park North are attached. Requested Action Information Only. 13 6b. 146b1. 15 16 17 186b2. 19 20 21 22 23 DATE: September 13, 2022 TO: Natural Resources Commission FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator SUBJECT: Natural Resources 2024 Preliminary Budget Request Background Staff and City Council have discussed the City’s 2024 budget during City Council workshops that took place in August, including budget requests for Natural Resources. The following is a summary of what is proposed by line item as it relates to Natural Resources for the 2024 calendar year, as well as the Natural Resources budget in 2023 provided as a comparison. The City Council is scheduled to approve the final 2024 budget in December of 2023. Eradication of Invasive Plants: 2023 - $50,000 *This line item was removed and replaced with ‘NRMP Priority Projects’ Native Plantings: 2023 - $40,000 *This line item was removed and replaced with ‘NRMP Priority Projects’ NRMP Priority Projects: 2024 - $100,000 *This line item replaced the budget line items: ‘Eradication of Invasive Plants’ and ‘Native Plantings’ Natural Resources Maintenance: 2024 - $40,000 *This is a new budget line item recommended by the Commission Oȟéyawahe/Pilot Knob Preservation Site Restoration: 2023 - $15,000 2024 - $15,000 *Also eligible for City/County Collaboration Funding 24 6c. Tree Removal: 2023 Parks - $50,000 *This line item was removed and replaced with ‘Tree Services’ 2023 - Par Three - $1,500 *This line item was removed and replaced with ‘Tree Services’ 2023 Streets - $60,000 *This line item was removed and replaced with ‘Tree Services’ Tree Services: 2024 - $125,000 Tree City Designation Fund: 2023 - $25,000 2024 - $25,000 Tree Sale: 2023 - $10,000 2024 - $10,000 Commissioner Per Diem: 2023 - $1,800 2024 - $1,800 The City allocated $253,300 for line items related to Natural Resources in 2023. The 2024 budget request is 316,800 for Natural Resources tasks, supplies, and programs. This is an increase of $63,500. Items not reflected in the Natural Resources Budget Relating to Natural Resources: Staff Salaries and Compensation: Includes staff positions fully or partially dedicated to Natural Resources. Parks Maintenance Supplies/Costs Relating to Natural Resources Tasks: This is not broken out specifically but is a potential funding source for some park improvements related to Natural Resources. Parks Maintenance Supplies/Cost fund is mainly used for playgrounds, mulch, athletic field maintenance, fencing repairs, etc. 2023 - $7,500 ($60K for Parks total) 2024 - $7,500 ($60K for Parks total) Street Sweeping (Stormwater Best Management Practice (BMP): 2023 - $70,000 2024 - $70,000 25 Solar Lease: 2023 – $2,270 2024 – $2,400 Stormwater Utility: This fund is separated out as it draws from Stormwater Utility Revenues generated by utility fees. All funds derived from stormwater utility fees are to be utilized for stormwater conveyance and treatment expenses per State Statute and City Code. Includes: Stormwater conveyance structure installation and maintenance, Raingarden construction and design, Stormwater treatment and improvement projects and maintenance (BMPs), other requirements and implementation related to the City’s MS4 Permit, and Lower Mississippi River WMO Membership Dues. 2023 - $475,758 2024 - $751,451 Requested Action Information Only. 26 276c1. 286c2. 29 6c3. DATE: September 13, 2023 TO: Natural Resources Commission FROM: Kelly Torkelson, Assistant City Administrator SUBJECT: Student Commissioner Recruitment Background The City of Mendota Heights provides opportunities for students to learn about, engage in, and contribute to city business through the student commissioner program. Student commissioners are non-voting members of the commission who provide insight from their unique youth perspective. Student commissioners must be Mendota Heights residents and attend a school located in Mendota Heights (sophomore, junior or senior). The student shall be appointed by the City Council and must be in good standing with the school he or she attends. Interested residents should submit the application, found on the city website, and their resume by 4:30 pm on September 15, 2023 to be considered. Action Requested: N/A Informational 30 7a. DATE: September 13, 2023 TO: Natural Resources Commission FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator SUBJECT: Partners In Energy Program Background As part of the Goal 5, Sustainability Committee work, the Sustainability Committee has conducted research on Xcel Energy’s Partners In Energy program, and how this program may be able to be incorporated into the City and Community to help reduce energy use, provide climate change adaption, and increase and plan for sustainability. The Xcel Energy Partners in Energy program is a program that assists communities in Minnesota to develop and implement an energy plan. This program is able to tailor its services to each community’s goals and needs to create a plan that allows communities to make wise energy decisions. As part of this plan, the City may be able to coordinate with citizens, businesses, and government facilities to promote renewables, encourage and implement energy conservation, or work toward greenhouse gas reduction goals. Partners in Energy helps identify local priorities and then structures a path that leverages all resources available. The Commission discussed the program during its regular commission meeting on July 12th, 2023, and came to a consensus to recommend moving forward with the program. City staff will therefore apply to the program before the October 15th deadline. The attached application asks community applicants to answer several questions as to the potential value of the program, as well as the applicant’s energy needs. Staff is currently exploring options to devote additional staff time towards the program if the City is accepted into the program. Requested Action The Commission should discuss the topics provided in the application, and provide direction to Staff. 37 7b. Page 1 of 6 22-12-504 Colorado | Minnesota Application Partners in Energy More communities are realizing energy planning plays a critical role in helping them reach their energy goals. The benefits of wise energy choices are diverse. Through collaborative work with citizens, businesses, and governments, a community can shave dollars off utility bills, promote renewable energy, drive resource conservation, and contribute to greenhouse gas reduction goals. Since 2014, Partners in Energy has been helping communities gather these stakeholders to develop and implement energy action plans that address the challenges of local energy priorities with actionable strategies and resources. In addition to offering support for community-based energy action plan development and implementation, Partners in Energy is evolving to include a broader spectrum of community engagement that includes supporting returning Partners in Energy communities as they define new goals and strategies, working with communities that have existing energy goals and strategies but need help implementing them, supporting smaller communities or geographic areas (i.e., districts or neighborhoods) that may benefit from a more tailored approach, or even convening collaborations that don’t fit the traditional definition of a community but are focused on increased efficiency and renewable energy opportunities in unusual settings. Partners in Energy continues to offer tools, data, and expertise to help communities analyze their energy trends, establish energy goals, identify energy strategies, and implement their energy priorities. Through the Partners in Energy process, Xcel Energy supports communities in convening stakeholders to develop custom roadmaps to achieve their energy goals. Xcel Energy also helps communities implement their energy strategies. The planning and implementation process is tailored to the unique needs and priorities of each community. Accepted communities will participate in a scoping meeting to determine the pathway that best aligns with your community’s interests and capabilities. Partners in Energy is offered at no cost to participating communities in Colorado and Minnesota, with the expectation that both Xcel Energy and the community will invest in the process. This investment includes staff and financial resources from Xcel Energy during both the planning and implementation phases. It also includes community staff time during both the planning and implementation phases and your community’s plan may require financial support to implement strategies. 31 7b1. Page 2 of 6 22-12-504 Partners in Energy Application Partners in Energy 800-369-4362 Colorado | Minnesota Xcel Energy wants to work with motivated, engaged, and action-oriented communities and champions who are willing to commit to the process and the outcomes. This application will help us better determine good community alignment for our limited, but valuable, resources. While completing the application does not guarantee acceptance as a participant, your application will be evaluated against other applicants using criteria that include, but may not be limited to, community size and structure, planning experience, stakeholder capacity, available resources (staff and otherwise), and willingness to share results publicly. If you have questions about the application or the opportunity, please visit xcelenergy.com/PartnersInEnergy, email us at PartnersInEnergy@xcelenergy.com or call 800-369-4362. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed quarterly on January 15, April 15, July 15, and October 15. We will confirm acceptance into the program or ask for more details within the month following the respective deadline. We reserve the right to pause or discontinue any or all application cycles at the sole discretion of Xcel Energy. Qualifying customers Communities in Colorado and Minnesota with retail energy services from Xcel Energy qualify to participate in Partners in Energy. Community customer information Company name Community jurisdiction (e.g., city, association, partnerships, county): _____________________________________________________________________ Contact name _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Title Phone Address _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City Email Community profile Approximate business count Approximate household count Approximate population Approximate area in square miles Would you be able to provide a GIS a shapefile of your community that would define the geographic boundaries of the area? Yes No Current community energy-related utility providers (e.g. gas service providers) 1)Name of company Fuel type Area served 2) Name of company Fuel type Area served 3)Name of company Fuel type Area served Clear form 32 Page 3 of 6 22-12-504 Partners in Energy Application Partners in Energy 800-369-4362 Colorado | Minnesota Interest in Partners in Energy Describe your interest in Partners in Energy and how you think Partners in Energy could provide value. What is/are the most pressing energy-related issue(s) facing your community today? If you’re accepted as a participant in Partners in Energy, what additional approvals within your community would you need to obtain prior to starting? (examples: City Council, City Manager, Sustainability Commission, etc.) 33 Page 4 of 6 22-12-504 Partners in Energy Application Partners in Energy 800-369-4362 Colorado | Minnesota Planning and energy management experience Does your community currently have any sustainability or energy plans, policies, codes, regulations or initiatives? If yes, please identify them and indicate the date(s) they were last revised. (Describe your interest in Partners in Energy and how you think Partners in Energy could provide value.) Describe any energy programs or energy management activities your community has participated in over the past two years. Please include goals/targets and results if applicable. This can include initiatives to track energy use in any part of your community (e.g., public buildings), a neighborhood energy challenge, etc. If you have participated in Partners in Energy before, what strategies would you like to pursue with additional support from Partners in Energy, and why? Additionally, please explain if your community is already engaged with Xcel Energy in other ways. Community resources and commitment Please indicate who in your community would be the point person (or people) to manage your Partners in Energy participation and describe his/her/their applicable experience and background relative to planning, energy and /or sustainability. Describe his/her/their availability to support this initiative through both strategy development and implementation (include multiple people as applicable for each stage). Describe whether they are paid staff or volunteers and the extent to which managing and/or implementing energy or sustainability initiatives is a component of their job duties. 34 Page 5 of 6 22-12-504 Partners in Energy Application Partners in Energy 800-369-4362 Colorado | Minnesota While Partners in Energy is offered to communities at no cost, communities are responsible for expenses associated with implementation. Does your community have staff, volunteer, budget or other funding resources to implement the energy initiatives that will be identified in the Partners in Energy process? Yes No If yes, please describe. Community involvement One of the keys of Partners in Energy is engaging representatives from your community to participate in developing and implementing strategies to meet your community goals. These representatives should be varied and willing to commit their time to the process. They may include city or town staff members, business association representatives, large local business representatives, local nonprofit staff members, school district staff members, county government officials, etc. Please describe who from the community you would anticipate engaging in developing your energy strategies. (Please list six to eight possible representatives.) Partners in Energy is designed to promote communities learning from each other and sharing best practices. Are you willing to share your community work through Partners in Energy with community members and other participating communities? Will you allow your final work products to be shared publicly? Yes No If no, please explain. 35 Partners in Energy Application Partners in Energy 800-369-4362 Colorado | Minnesota Is there anything else you would like us to consider when evaluating your application? Customer declaration I certify that the information in this application is accurate and complete and I am authorized to make this application on behalf of my community. Your signature confirms your community is interested in participating in Partners in Energy and is willing to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Xcel Energy that will define responsibilities and expectations of both parties. Community name Contact name Title By checking the box and indicating my name below, I am signing this application in declaration of its accuracy. Name Title xcelenergy.com | © 2022 Xcel Energy Inc. | Xcel Energy is a registered trademark of Xcel Energy Inc. | 22-12-504 36