10-27-2025 - Agenda Packet City Council - Regular Meeting

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AGENDA ITEM Date: October 27, 2025 Title: Sustainability and Resiliency Presenter: Adam Edwards, City Administrator / Engineer Section: City Administrator/Engineer Report Item: 15 Purpose: The purpose of this council item is to summarize the sustainability and resilience activities of the city as briefed during the October 8th special work session and to identify any future actions the city council would like to take in these focus areas. 2. Background: The City Council held a Work Session on October 8th to review current sustainability policies and practices, and to discuss opportunities that focus on sustainability and resiliency throughout the city. Staff presented a high-level overview of current practices. The Council reviewed the City's current Mission, Vision, and Goals. To aid the discussion, Staff provided a list of commonly used terms (as defined within Minnesota's Climate Action Framework) and identified the partners and agencies who interact with the city on projects and natural systems protections. Staff provided an overview of the planning goals within the current 2040 Comprehensive Plan that relate to sustainability and resiliency for the future. Staff also highlighted the required elements for the upcoming 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update. This included a review of land use, transportation, wastewater, water supply, surface water management systems as well as create planning goals for parks, climate adaptation/mitigation, and natural systems planning. Each department head presented a summary of their department's practices for implementing sustainability efforts. This included an overview of the current land use and development regulations, emergency management planning, winter operations (including best practices for salting the streets), facility initiatives, and waste reduction/recycling policies. Every department highlighted staff education on sustainability practices and coordination with other government entities and agencies. Additional information was provided to highlight active sustainability projects which include the ongoing development of a tree management plan and the kickoff of the 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update. The Council was provided with a list of opportunities and programs for consideration, including energy audits and ordinance examples. The Council asked questions and provided discussion throughout the presentation. Council discussed the need for public awareness and community education on current sustainability practices. Council also expressed a desire to encourage more volunteer participation to support projects and improvements throughout the city. As a result, staff prepared a communication plan that will regularly promote and highlight the City's sustainability efforts and to provide more resources for residents. 138