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A-1. Joint Meeting with Environmental Commissionj i i CITY OF CHAMASSEN 7700 Market Boulevard PO Box 147 Chanhassen, MN 55317 Administration Phone: 952.227.1100 Fax: 952.227.1110 Building Inspections Phone: 952.227.1180 Fax: 952.227.1190 Engineering Phone: 952.227.1160 Fax: 952.227.1170 Finance Phone: 952.227.1140 Fax: 952.227.1110 Park & Recreation Phone: 952.227.1120 Fax: 952.227.1110 Recreation Center 2310 Coulter Boulevard Phone: 952.227.1400 Fax: 952.227.1404 Planning & Natural Resources Phone: 952.227.1130 Fax: 952.227.1110 Public Works 7901 Park Place Phone: 952.227.1300 Fax: 952.227.1310 Senior Center Phone: 952.227.1125 Fax: 952.227.1110 Website www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us MEMORANDUM TO: Todd Gerhardt, City Manager FROM: Jill Sinclair, Environmental Resources Specialist DATE: April 25, 2016 1✓ SUBJ: Joint Meeting with the Environmental Commission The Environmental Commission is looking forward to the opportunity to discuss current projects and updates with the Mayor and City Council. The commission is starting its new term with four new members — over half of the commission. Submitted for Council review is the commission's annual work plan, 2015-2016 commission accomplishments, and the 2016 Chanhassen Sustainability Report. Environmental Commission Main Focus Topics • Urban forestry • Water quality • Water conservation — specific focus for 2016 • Stormwater management ATTACHMENTS 1. 2015-16 Environmental Commission Accomplishments 2. 2016 Annual Work Plan 3. 2016 Sustainability Report \\cfs5\cfs5\shared data\p1an\js\ee\ec16\ec CC jt mtg aprll 2016.doex Chanhassen is a Community for Life - Providing for Today and Planning for Tomorrow April 2015 — March 2016 Environmental Commission Events and Accomplishments *Commission Focus for 2015: Urban Forestry *Commission Focus for 2016: Water Conservation Aligning the annual work plan around a theme topic for the year is a great way to organize the commission's focus and educational activities. Arbor Day • Tree Planting - May 3, 2015 City staff and the Commission hosted an event for the community at Chanhassen Hills Park to plant trees in celebration of Arbor Day. The event included educating the public on Emerald Ash Borer, the value trees bring to the community (tree tags at Chanhassen Hills Park and Lake Ann Park), and importance of tree diversity. Arbor Day Poster Contest The commission judged and awarded prizes for the 5t" grade tree poster submissions in celebration of Arbor Day. Books at the Library The library featured books about trees for the month of May. Tree Photo Contest The commission advertised a tree photo contest for residents of Chanhassen. The winner was voted on at the July 4th trade fair and the winning photo featured in the Chanhassen Connection. Tree Education and Events at the Public Library • The commission partnered with the Chanhassen Library to provide education to residents. An interactive felt tree with different types of leaves was installed. Families were encouraged to place leaves of the tree and determine the type of leaf. • EAB guest speaker event • Month of May — books about trees featured (see above) Trade Fair Informational Booth - July 3rd Members of the commission provided educational materials on urban forestry and answered questions from residents. EAB information was provided and a prize wheel engaged the event goers. Residents also voted on the winner for the Tree Photo Contest. Fall Event: Million Acorn Challenge The commission hosted a community event at Lake Ann Park to gather acorns in our neighborhoods and parks. The acorns are used to support a planting of native oak trees by Great River Greening in Minnesota. Sustainability Report 2016 The commission continues to provide the community an overview on the four environmental focus areas of surface water, stormwater, water conservation and urban forestry. Villager articles published: • Holiday Waste and Recycling Workshops, Education and Activities commissioners have taken part in: • Joint Environmental, Planning and Park Commission Tour • Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Shallow Lakes Forum • Linking Land Use to Clean Water NEMO Workshop Chanhassen Environmental Commission Annual Work Plan 2016 January • Approve 2016 Work Plan • Review Sustainability Report o Assign Duties/Due Dates • Review 2016 focus/project theme • Finalize projects, assign leads • Update onboarding packet • Select Arbor Day contest theme • Mailings for Arbor Day Poster Contest • Advertisement Posted for Openings on Environmental Commission February • Interviews for new members • Guest speaker — water resources — Terry Jeffery, Stormwater projects for 2016 • Sustainability Report Progress — rough drafts due • Arbor Day Planning o Develop event activities March • Select Arbor Day Poster Contest Winner • Final Sustainability Report • List of Term Accomplishments • Joint Council Meeting Reminder • Tour of Dem Con MRF? • Develop online swmp survey? • March 31 - Last Day of Term April • Appointment of New Members • New member orientation • Review By -Laws • Appoint Chair/Vice-Chair • Joint Council meeting prep o Sustainability Report o Discuss 2016 Priorities on Work Plan • July 3rd Trade Fair Planning • Finalize Arbor Day Work Plan • Arbor Day Poster Contest Presentation at City Council • Announce Water contest • Develop Library water -theme display • Krista — update on waterwise? • April 1 - First Day of Term • April 22 - Earth Day • April 25 - Arbor Day Poster Contest Presentation at City Council • April 29 - MN Arbor Day • April 29 — Chan Recycling Day May • July 3rd Trade Fair Planning • Villager article — Water conservation Q&A • Arbor Day Summary • SWMP open house? • Pollinator education? — Sandy Wagner • May - Arbor Month • May 7 — Chanhassen Arbor Day • Roundhouse Park — tree tags? • May 14 — Fishing Opener June • July 3rd Trade Fair Progress o Finalize details and contest voting • Joint Council Summary • Revisit Work Plan • Fall event ideas • Possible community speaker — water conservation July • Fall Community Event - Fen Day? o Determine Needs/Assign Duties o Tour of water treatment plant • Trade Fair Event Summary • Finalize water contest winner announcement • July 3 — EC at Trade Fair Event- water contest August • Month Off • Aug - Chanhassen Day at the Arboretum September • City Commissions Joint Tour October • Guest speaker — (prep for 2017 focus) • Harvest Moon Potluck • Fall Community Event Day Planning o Finalize details, plan attendance November • Assign villager article? — holiday waste • Nov 5 -Deer Opener • Nov 15 — National Recycling Day December • Villager Submittal - Holiday Waste? • Choose 2017 Focus/Project Theme • Develop projects/events 0 2017 Work Plan Discussion l snabiii REPORT 2'x;16 'A:V- ' Ile% ARBOR OAY�ICELEBRA7710N it SKI (ARDA'Y. MAY 9:0, �,A- - I PCIBL%L-TRIFF. P1 F\jFM-A - ALL ARE "W I i:D Prepared by the Chanhassen Environmental Commission David Hess I Bret Borth I Glenn Kaufmann I Katie Mahannah I Matthew Myers I Amy Omann I Don Vasatka Nd. CITY OF CHANHASSEN Sustainability Report 2016 The City of Chanhassen is committed to protecting its natural resources now and into the future. To ensure the continuation of this effort, the city strives to develop sound policies, take advantage of new technologies, and engage the community in envi- ronmental topics. Sustainable management of our natural resources is endeavored through protection, conservation and best management practices. In 2011, the Chanhassen Environmental Commission was interested in knowing if our city was growing and functioning in a sustainable fashion. This report is the result of that curiosity. Each year since then, the commission has compiled the successes and challenges of the previous year for 4 main topics: Surface Water Quality, Stormwater, Water Conservation and Urban Forestry. In each of these areas the group investigated the current goals established by the city's comprehensive plan. Through interviews with city employees, the commission determined the current status of those goals along with trends and improvements or chal- lenges and any recent activities. Ultimately, the commission documented a baseline inventory for each of the topic areas. This 2016 edition of the Sustainability Report includes the ongoing goals and provides annual updates and recent activities. Infor- mation about these activities were collected from interviews with City staff and publicly available information. The report achieves the goal ofeducating Chanhassen residents in the Environmental Commission's target areas. Surface Water CITY OF CHANHASSEN SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2016 Over 26% of Chanhassen's 24 square miles are covered by lakes, streams, ponds or wetlands. Water quality, lakeshore preser- vation, lake level variability, and flood management are some of the important issues that impact the quality of life enjoyed by all residents. Maintaining, protecting, and instilling a preventative approach is a high priority for the city, which is currently preparing its third Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP). The plan outlines goals for managing these resources and implementation recom- mendations to achieve them. These goals strive to be realistic, attainable/implementable and affordable in their execution. Surface Water Goals The initial goals for surface water were based primarily on maintaining and improving water quality, which have largely been met. New priorities are being developed to address changes in land use, aging of infrastructure, new data on surface water resources, and changes in watershed science. The city's strategy takes into account the continued growth and redevelopment activity that Chanhassen is experiencing. A focus on prevention first and treatment second is the concept to be followed. - 4�jp'40'•i �'-� ._.'i.. ." '�s ft'. .�i ����L'� ♦ � �♦v., ..'�I�yy ' _ .x _. _ .... �y _Y':; i 3.'iaM�✓' ...-..... _.. =; 7pt .IVbxt='-'-�'i('aY# ....-.moi SURFACE WATER I STORMWATER I WATER CONSERVATION I URBAN FORESTRY Community Resources Chanhassen contains more than 355 wetlands covering more than 2395 acres, 4 creeks _ -Z-411*�� spanning over 37 miles including one designated trout steam, and 12 lakes, 7 of which are R1 LEY f recreational and 5 that are natural environment lakes. The city is also home to a rare and PURGATORY unique calcareous fen, a state protected Scientific and Natural Area. Efforts to preserve BLUFF CREEK these important natural resources require partnerships between the city, county, watershed WATERSHED DISTRICT districts, Met Council, MNDNR, and MPCA. Portions of major watershed districts exist within the city: Carver County WMO (1.9%), Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (8,4%), Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (18.8%), and Riley -Purgatory -Bluff Creek Watershed District (70.9%). METROPOLITAN Recent City & Community Activities C O U N C I L Restore Fisheries Habitat The city and RPBCWD are working collaboratively to restore the fisheries habitat in Bluff Creek. In addition to ravine stabilization projects in the lower river basin, work is underway to install a fish ladder in the creek where it passes below the Henn County RR Authority/ Regional Trail Corridor. Monitor Waters The city continues to monitor its waters for temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and turbidity through monitoring stations, grab sampling, and the Citizen Assisted Lake Monitoring Pro- gram (CAMP). As our city continues to develop/redevelop, the potential exists for increased MNDNR runoff volumes, sedimentation and stormwater discharge. Implement Attainability Assessments Given to Improve Water Quality MCPA:? Use Attainability Assessments have been completed for the following lakes: Ann, Lucy, Riley and Susan. These assessments identify subwatershed loading rates and potential best management practices that can be implemented to improve and/or preserve water quality in all of the lakes.'I�' Evaluate and Attain Goals of Organizations Annually MINNEHAHA CREEK In July 2015, an amendment of Minnesota Rules, Chapter 8410 became effective. This WATERSHED DISTRICT QUALITY OF WATER, QUALITY OF LIFE was the first time the original rules had been amended since originally going into effect in 1992. Among the highlights of the amendment changes were the switch to calendar year L instead of fiscal year reporting, procedures to evaluate progress on attaining goals and organizations must annually submit their quality -controlled and quality -assured monitoring LOWER MINNESOTA RIVER data to the state. WATERSHED DISTRICT Resources Chanhassen Surface Water projects CARVER www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us/surfacewater TL�JCOUNTY SURFACE WATER I STORMWATER I WATER CONSERVATION I URBAN FORESTRY Stormwater CITY OF CHANHASSEN SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2016 Stormwater management is crucial to preserving Chanhassen's natural environment and protecting our surface water resources. Stormwater runoff is rain and snow melt that runs off surfaces such as rooftops, paved streets, highways, parking lots and com- pacted lawns. As water passes over these surfaces, it can pick up pollutants such as soil, fertilizers, herbicides, trash or pet waste. If not treated appropriately, this polluted water might flow into a local stream, lake, or wetland. Stormwater mitigation seeks to reduce, control, and prevent stormwater runoff through a variety of strategies. As open land in Chanhassen continues to develop, city looks for every opportunity to incorporate best management practices that minimize the volume and impact of water runoff as well as protect water quality in surface waters. Stormwater Water Goals The city of Chanhassen strives to ensure that development projects minimize soil erosion, sedimentation, and stormwater runoff. City personnel manage this task by maintaining primary responsibility for managing water resources at the local level but continue coordination with other agencies and organizations. In an effort to engage the public, the city provides information and educational resources to improve knowledge and promote an active public role in managing water resources. SURFACE WATER I STORMWATER I WATER CONSERVATION I URBAN FORESTRY Storm Drain Markers These highly visible storm drain markers are a first step in public education in stormwater pollution prevention. Rain Garden Plantings To allow rainwater runoff from impervious urban areas, like roofs, driveways, walkways, parking lots, and compacted lawn areas, the opportunity to be absorbed. Recent Community Activities Grant Received to Study Downtown Stormwater Management The Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District, in cooperation with Chanhassen, has been awarded a grant to study stormwater management in the "downtown" area of Chanhassen. This study will look at potential opportunities to retrofit best management practices into an area that developed under conditions not subject to the stormwater management standards of today. The findings will guide stormwater management as the downtown area redevelops and will reduce pollutant loading to Rice Marsh Lake and Lake Riley as well as mitigate flooding at Market Boulevard and W 79th Street. Spent Lime Treatment Facility Chanhassen completed the spent lime treatment facility south of Lake Susan in January of 2016. A 325 acre watershed flows through this outlet into Lake Susan and contributes 76 lbs of phosphorous to Lake Susan on an annual basis. This amount of phosphorous can support the growth of 19 tons of algae. The spent lime facility will decrease the annual load of phosphorous to Lake Susan by nearly about 45 pounds or 60%. Improve Methods of Stormwater Flow The city utilizes improved methods of allowing stormwater to flow into the ground instead of directly into lakes and streams. One example is through raingardens. A large raingarden was completed at Family of Christ Lutheran Church. This raingarden was designed to treat the entire parking lot prior to discharging to Bluff Creek which is impaired for turbidity and fish indices of biologic integrity. The raingarden was a collaborative effort between the church and their congregation, Riley -Purgatory -Bluff Creek Watershed District, the City of Chanhas- sen and Carver County Soil and Water Conservation District. SURFACE WATER I STORMWATER I WATER CONSERVATION I URBAN FORESTRY GET INVOLVED! As residents of Chanhassen, there are opportunities to get involved to help with storm - water management. With any road construction project, city staff works to educate neighborhood groups about the benefits of Low Impact Development (LID) installation opportunities, such as rain gardens and rain barrels. Residents, in general, are encouraged to learn more about incorporating raing- ardens into their yards. The city also partners with Metro Blooms to provide education on environmentally sound gardening and land- scape practices. Additionally, community volunteers continue to install storm drain markers on neighborhood storm drains since storm drains can lead directly to a city water resource. Marking the drains help raise awareness that anything carried by these storm drains can im- pact our natural resources. If you are Impacted by a 2016 road construction project and are interested In an LID opportunity, reach out to City Staff for more information. 952.227.1100 Water Conservation CITY OF CHANHASSEN SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2016 The Prairie du Chien aquifer supports 83 communities including the city of Chanhassen. Reliable, high quality water plays a large part in our city's growth and prosperity. The city distributes water to over 7,000 residents and nearly 300 commercial properties daily. There are 11 wells, 3 reservoirs and one water treatment facility. Sustainability is a high-priority of the Metropolitan Council as the region grows and pressure is increased on the region's aquifers. The Met Council has developed a policy on Sustainable Water Supplies that includes collaboration with agency partners, identify- ing desired groundwater levels, providing technical assistance to local governments and promoting water supply resiliency. All met- ro community's comprehensive plans are expected to accommodate the forecasted population increase specified in the Council's Thrive MSP 2040 plan. The Met Council also encourages communities to look at ways to reuse stormwater runoff for irrigation. The City of Chanhassen is exploring several such projects in 2016. Water Conservation Goals Each year, as presented in the city's comprehensive plan, the city shall review, develop and implement the current water conser- vation strategies and practices suitable for our community. The city continues to endorse and promote water conservation through SURFACE WATER I STORMWATER I WATER CONSERVATION I URBAN FORESTRY Recent Community Activities Smart Irrigation Controller System In 2016 the city was approved to install a single smart irrigation controller to run irrigation systems at 14 city parks and facilities. By using weather data and ground sensors this new system is estimated to save thousands of dollars in staff labor and 3.4 million gallons of water annually. Stormwater Reuse at HWY 101 Crossing A stormwater reuse project will be implemented at the new HWy 101 river crossing project. Stormwater will be collected and used for irrigation within the traffic circles. Learnings from this site can be used to understand if other opportunities for stormwater reuse may exist within the city. Environmental Commission to Focus on Water Conservation The Chanhassen Environmental Commission focus topic for 2016 is water conservation. Look for the commission at the Chanhassen 4th of July and other events to learn more about conservation. City Code and Water Conservation The city has a tiered billing system in place to incent water conservation. City code limits the use of the city water supply system for lawn and garden sprinkling, irrigation, car washing or other non -potable uses to odd -even days. The City has tree preservation and topsoil require- ments for new subdivisions as well as stringent planting requirements for new site plans. The City Offers Incentives to Help Residents and Businesses Reduce Water Usage: Irrigation system audits, free of charge, for Homeowners' Associations, businesses, and new residents as a way to promote water -saving best management practices. Landscaping and conservation grants to restore irrigated spaces to more native, non -irrigated spaces Rain Barrel Coupons that are redeemable at the Carver County Environmental Center Recommended Water Conservation Resources M2040 University of Minnesota Extension Soils and Composting 4� www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/soils/ Thrive MSP WaterSense Tips to Save Water & Money www.epa.gov/watersense/ouUwater/start—saving.html WATER RESOURCES City of Chanhassen "2030 Comprehensive Plan," Chapter 9: Water POLICY PLAN www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/ 134 Metropolitan Council Draft Water Resources Policy Plan www.metrocouncii.org/ME rC/files/66/665454b7-662c-464f-bce4-1el9fla2f97a.pdf SURFACE WATER I STORMWATER I WATER CONSERVATION I URBAN FORESTRY Waterwise Save Money and Water at Home! Did you know that home irrigation can account for up to 40% of a household's annual water usage? In partnership with the Metropolitan Council and the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment, the city is now offering residents rebates (up to $250) on WaterSense labeled 'smart' irrigation con- trollers and Energy Star wash- ing machines (up to $50). These rebates will be available to existing home- owners and are on a first come first serve basis. Visit the city's website at www.cl.chanhassen.mn.us for more details. Urban Forest CITY OF CHANHASSEN SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2016 Our urban trees play an important role in the health, livability, and economic well-being of our community. Trees help to clean the air, mitigate stormwater runoff, provide shelter to wildlife, cool our homes and make our city more beautiful. Chanhassen has long recog- nized these benefits, and achieved Tree City USA status for the 21st year in 2015 by meeting the four core standards of urban forestry management as laid out by the National Arbor Day Foundation. In Chanhassen, maintaining and protecting our urban forest takes shape in many forms through city and community engagement. Unfortunately, an unavoidable threat to over 20% of our trees is the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The city has an active EAB management plan to lessen the impact on city resources when this invasive species reaches Chanhassen. Our trees also face additional challenges such as urban expansion, invasive pests and diseases, and changing climates. Urban Forestry Goals Chanhassen places a high priority on the protection of its natural resources and strives to maintain a healthy and diverse urban forest. According to the latest tree survey, the city has around 40 species of trees planted on public lands. Chanhassen is working to achieve 30-20-10 diversity when replanting - no more than 30% of trees should be from one family, no more than 20% from any genus and no more than 10% from any one species. Emerald Ash Borer The most significant threat to our city's urban forest is the emerald ash borer (EAB). EAB is most commonly spread through transported firewood. Our neighboring counties, Hennepin and Scott, are under quarantine and moving any ash wood out of the counties is illegal. Minnesota has the highest volume of ash trees in the United States with almost a billion forestland and urban wood ash trees. When this invasive species finds its way to Chanhassen, the impact will be noticeable. The city has completed a public tree inventory and 20% of the existing public trees are ash trees. The number of privately owned ash within the city is likely higher. The borer is fatal to all ash trees and has already had a significant impact on cities throughout the eastern half of the United States. � ; . - In preparation, the city has begun measures to lessen the impact here in Chanhassen: • Annual tree plantings focus on replacing ash trees with a diversity of species. • Depending on the size and health of an ash tree on public property, the city will either remove it or chemically treat the tree. • The city preemptively removes and replaces ash trees at the homeowner's request in conjunction with street reconstruction projects. • Annual public education opportunities to engage residents in thinking about their trees for the future. In the case of FAB, a homeownerwill need to decide whetherto treattheir ash or have them removed. What you can do t. i • Become familiarwith the symptoms of EAB: www.emeraldashborer.info • If you suspect yourtrees may have EAB, contact.lill Sinclair, our city's Environmental Resource Specialist: jsinclair@ci.chanhassen.mn.us RIB • Do not transport firewood or cut trees out of county. Use firewood certified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture: www.mda.state.mn.us/emeraldashborer 17 FA • Atthis time, chemical treatments could be started ... or not. The insect has been F confirmed in a location about 11 miles awayfrom Chanhassen, which is inside the suggested 15 -mile threshold area radius recommended for starting treatment. M l SURFACE WATER I STORMWATER I WATER CONSERVATION I URBAN FORESTRY Recent Community Activities Arbor Day Tree Planting The Environmental Commission, city staff, and community members gathered in May for the 5th annual Arbor Day tree planting at Chanhassen Hills Park. An average of 20 trees are planted each year in selected parks. Tree Coupons Promote Private Tree Planting To promote private tree planting during Arbor Month, the city offers tree coupons to resi- dents who are interested. Begun in 1996, the 2015 coupons were worth $50 towards the purchase of a tree at local nurseries, and 57 of these were used. Arbor Day Poster Contest Also in May, the Environmental Commission selected a winner in the Arbor Day Poster Con- test open to Chanhassen 5th graders and first started in 1998. The theme was "Trees are Terrific - Root for Trees!" and the finalists received special recognition from Mayor Laufenberger at the April city council meeting. Million Acorn Challenge In September, the Environmental Commission organized a public service project at Lake Ann Park, the Million Acorn Challenge. Volunteers collected acorns to share with Three Rivers Park District for planting an oak savanna at their newest park in Scott County. Invasive Species Monitoring The city continually monitors public areas for invasive species. In 2015, seven park areas and many sections of trails were treated for buckthorn, garlic mustard,black locust, and wild parsnip. SURFACE WATER I STORMWATER I WATER CONSERVATION I URBAN FORESTRY GET INVOLVED! Watch local publications and join us for the Arbor Day celebration! Report invasive species on your property. Properly care for trees in your yard. A copy of the "Tree Owner's Manual" can be downloaded here. Never remove trees from bluffs, even on private property! Never remove trees from public property, it is against the law and several fines have been levied in the past few years. Check out how valuable trees are by using this calculator; www,treebenefits.com/ calculator -odwaft— 40'" ANNIVERSARY TREE CITY USA Arbor Day Foundation * ARnnR DAY-CELFBRAT'u'' I i 4 lw�� 4141- a i7aEE.s'�woLijm ���C� 0 Grand Prize Winner: Ava Casey (5th Grade) ST. HUBERT SCHOOL