--- ## author: Linnea Graffunder-Bartels date: D:20260611133232-05'00' --- ## AGENDA ## Environmental Management Commission ## The next regular Environmental Management Commission meeting will occur on August 17, 2026. ## REGULAR MEETING June 15, 2026 ## 7:00 PM ## Oakdale Discovery Center ## 1. CALL TO ORDER ## 2. CALL OF ROLL ## 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ## 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA ## 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. May 18, 2026 ## 6. OPEN FORUM ## 7. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION REVIEW ## a. OLD BUSINESS ## i. Wetland and Water Resource Education Campaign ## b. NEW BUSINESS i. None ## 8. OTHER ## a. Staff Liaison Updates ## i. 2026 EMC Editorial Calendar ii. 2026 Adopt-a-Drain Schedule ## iii. Community Development Update(s)* ## b. Commissioner Update(s)* ## c. Council Liaison Update(s)* ## 9. ADJOURNMENT *Items marked with an asterisk have no accompanying materials. 1 ## REGULAR MEETING ## OAKDALE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION ## MAY 18, 2026 ## CALL TO ORDER The Oakdale Environmental Management Commission (EMC) held a meeting on Monday, May 18, 2026 at Oakdale City Hall, 1584 Hadley Avenue North, Oakdale, Minnesota. The meeting began at 7:00 PM. ## CALL OF ROLL On a call of roll, the following were present: ## Commissioners: Tim Doolittle, Vice Chairperson ## Justin Brendon ## Katie Lasch ## Chang Yang ## Not Present: Noah Gerding, Chairperson ## Laura Fenstermaker, Commissioner Also Present: Hannah Dunn, Sr. Community Development Specialist and City Staff ## Liaison ## Quorum Present: YES ☒ NO ☐ ## PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ## APPROVAL OF AGENDA ## A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER LASCH, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER YANG, TO ## APPROVE THE AGENDA OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 18, 2026 AS PRESENTED. ## 4 AYES ## 0 NAYS ## MOTION CARRIED ## APPROVAL OF MINUTES ## A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER BRENDON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LASCH, ## TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 16, 2026 AS WRITTEN. ## 4 AYES ## 0 NAYS ## MOTION CARRIED ## REGULAR MEETING MINUTES ## ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION ## MAY 18, 2026 2 ## OPEN FORUM Vice Chair Doolittle invited comments from the audience. No comments were heard. ## a. Guest Presentation – LHB (Community-Wide Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data) The Environmental Management Commission received a presentation from staff members at LHB, the consulting firm that was hired by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to update community-wide greenhouse gas inventories for communities that were awarded the Local Climate Action Planning Grant. The presenters went over emissions data for Oakdale for three sectors – travel, energy, and waste – and allowed Commissioners to ask questions about the data. In response to Vice Chair Doolittle’s question about resources and success stories that the Environmental Management Commission should know about, the presenters shared that subsidies have been critical for reducing commercial and industrial electricity use. Some cities have worked with larger and smaller businesses within their communities to connect them with resources. Additionally, reducing electricity load for large commercial and industrial customers can benefit the whole community by reducing rates. St. Louis Park, for example, has a program where the city pays part of the cost for energy audits for larger commercial and industrial businesses. Other opportunities to encourage these customers to conduct energy audits and reduce electricity include revolving loans or grants. Lastly, sustainable building policies can help incentivize new construction to go beyond State Building Codes. Following the presentation, the Environmental Management Commission discussed ways to get information about energy efficiency and electric alternatives directly to homeowners when major home appliances need to be replaced. There was also conversation about finding out information regarding electric heat pump prices and the return on investment if a homeowner switches from a utility gas furnace to this alternative. Additionally, Commissioners talked about State Building Codes, new construction, and opportunities to incentivize and subsidize new buildings to be efficient. ## ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION REVIEW ## a. OLD BUSINESS ## i. 2026 Eco Fair Recap Staff Liaison Dunn recapped the 2026 Eco Fair and thanked the Commissioners for their help at the event. Commissioners were invited to share their thoughts and feedback on what went well and what could be improved. The Environmental Management Commission provided the following thoughts and feedback: • The 2026 Eco Fair was very successful. • Many attendees heard about the event on Facebook. ## REGULAR MEETING MINUTES ## ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION ## MAY 18, 2026 3 • There was the suggestion to have everything, including family-friendly activities, inside when the weather is not ideal, if space allows. • If the event continues at Castle Elementary School, there was discussion about the parking lot capacity. It was suggested that vendors park in the overflow area to leave the rest of the school’s lot open for attendees. • The possibility of a larger venue was discussed, where the two parts of the event could be in the same space. • It was also suggested to host the Eco Fair and Clothing Swap at the new Public Works facility. • A venue bigger than Castle Elementary School would be especially useful for the Clothing Swap portion in order to spread the clothes out more and create an easier experience for looking through the items. • The City can find ways to share resources at their table for energy efficiency and home improvements. ## b. NEW BUSINESS ## i. Wetland and Water Resource Education Campaign Staff Liaison Dunn summarized past conversations among the Environmental Management Commission about wetlands and water resources. She then allowed Commissioners to provide their input on the potential education campaign. Vice Chair Doolittle shared that navigating water resources, stakeholders, and the approval process can be very confusing for homeowners and residents. He also noted that it can be difficult to find necessary information on the City’s website. One resource that he has found useful is the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) LakeFinder. The Environmental Management Commission would like to bring together potential resources from relevant organizations and agencies so that residents only have to visit the City’s website. Commissioners felt that streamlining the City’s website to make it easier for people to find information is important. Commissioners also suggested providing a comprehensive overview of the various plans that Oakdale has in place for wetlands and water resources. There were comments that webpage content could then turn into tabling materials for events. Vice Chair Doolittle observed that there are likely two reasons a resident is visiting the City webpage. One is that they want to learn more about their property and the second is that they have a problem to solve. Commissioner Lasch commented that people need to know where to go next. Vice Chair Doolittle and Commissioner Yang agreed that the City should do more than simply provide links on its website. They suggested that the City explore ways to enable residents to access and search information hosted on external websites directly through the City’s website. ## REGULAR MEETING MINUTES ## ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION ## MAY 18, 2026 4 Commission Brendon pointed out that residents do not know what they do not know and the Environmental Management Commission can play a role in shedding light on the availability of certain resources. Commissioner Yang stated that other information to share is what property owners directly adjacent to City-owned wetlands can do. The Environmental Management Commission agreed to continue the conversation at the June meeting. ## OTHER ## i. Staff Liaison Update(s) The monthly Editorial Calendar themes for May, June, and July were discussed. Staff Liaison Dunn also shared a few general updates. • Following a recent resignation, there is now a vacancy on the Environmental Management Commission. It is encouraged that Commissioners share the vacancy with friends, family, and neighbors. • The updated 2026 EMC Work Plan was approved by the City Council at their March 14, 2026 regular meeting. • Hard copies of the Park System Plan have been provided to the Commission. • The City of Oakdale received the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Local Climate Action Planning Grant. ## ii. Commissioner Update(s)* No Commissioners provided updates. ## iii. Council Liaison Update(s)* Mayor Zabel was not in attendance. ## NEXT MEETING DATE The next meeting of the EMC will be Monday, June 15, 2026 at the Discovery Center. ## ADJOURNMENT ## A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER BRENDON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER YANG, ## TO ADJOURN THE MAY 18, 2026 REGULAR MEETING OF THE OAKDALE ENVIRONMENTAL ## MANAGEMENT COMMISSION AT 8:56 PM. ## 4 AYES ## 0 NAYS ## REGULAR MEETING MINUTES ## ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION ## MAY 18, 2026 5 ## MOTION CARRIED ## Meeting Adjourned Respectfully submitted, ## Hannah Dunn ## Sr. Community Development Specialist ## TO: Environmental Management Commission ## FROM: Hannah Dunn, Sr. Community Development Specialist DATE: June 15, 2026 ## SUBJ: Wetland and Water Resource Education Campaign ## BACKGROUND At the October 20, 2025 meeting, the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) discussed Oakdale’s Adopt-A-Wetland program and the creation of educational resources on wetlands to share with residents, per Council direction from the August 12, 2025 Workshop. From this discussion, the Environmental Management Commission decided they would like to pursue an education campaign that distills information and helps residents understand their responsibilities, how their actions impact water resources, and how to engage stakeholders and navigate the approval process for projects. There was also consensus around the possibility of creating an engagement template and piloting it with property owners near Tanners Lake, Armstrong Lake, and Mud Lake. Since this meeting, the EMC heard a guest presentation in November from staff at the Washington Conservation District and South Washington Watershed District about wetlands and ongoing projects in Oakdale. The EMC also discussed campaign deliverable options at their May 18, 2026 meeting. The education campaign has been incorporated into the 2026 EMC Work Plan. ## COMMISSION ACTION REQUESTED It is requested that the Environmental Management Commission continue discussion regarding the format of the education campaign and identify topics of interest that individuals would be willing to research and compile information on for City staff to use in developing the campaign. Potential topics may include, but are not limited to, green infrastructure, rain gardens, wetland types, and local stakeholders. ## TO: Environmental Management Commission ## FROM: Hannah Dunn, Sr. Community Development Specialist DATE: June 15, 2026 ## SUBJ: 2026 EMC Editorial Calendar The 2026 Environmental Management Commission (EMC) Editorial Calendar is designed to generate public outreach and communication about the Commission’s priorities related to solid waste, recycling, composting, air and water quality, and energy conservation. Topics of interest, dates of note, and relevant community resources may vary as the calendar is refined and updated; consequently, the EMC shall provide a recommendation to staff on the messages and resources of highest importance month to month. This memorandum seeks to open discussion on the topics and resources of focus in June, July, and August (Editorial Calendar attached). Environmental social media content published since the EMC’s May meeting packet includes: • May 20 – Tree City USA designation (31 st -consecutive) for the City of Oakdale. • May 26 – Odd-even watering schedule reminder. • June 1 – Odd-even watering schedule reminder in the Monday Morning Minute. • June 9 – 2026 Eco Fair and Clothing Swap highlight video. ## Attachment ## 2026 EMC Editorial Calendar ## 2026 EMC Editorial Calendar ## January: Smart Salting and Grit Dates of Note Resources related to monthly topic ## Winter Salt Week – January 26 to 30, 2026 In January, communications content will focus on smart salting and grit. • MPCA smart salting resources ## • South Washington Watershed District grit information ## • Winter Salt Week resources ## February: Recycling and Reuse Dates of Note Resources related to monthly topic ## World Wetlands Day – February 2 ## National Battery Day – February 18 In February, communications content will focus on recycling and reuse. ## Resources: ## • Washington County Disposal Directory ## • Washington County Environmental Centers • “Be a Hero Battery” campaign • Recycling Exists campaign • BizRecycling ## • Food Scraps Pickup Program ## • Washington County Free Product Room ## March: Food Scraps Pickup Program Dates of Note Resources related to monthly topic ## N/A In March, communications content will focus on the Food Scraps Pickup Program (FSPP). ## Resources: ## • Food Scraps Pickup Program • Communications resources on FSPP’s website ## April: Eco Fair and Clothing Swap Dates of Note Resources related to monthly topic ## Earth Day – April 22 ## City of Oakdale Eco ## Fair and Clothing Swap – April 25 In April, communications content will focus on the Eco Fair and Clothing Swap, taking place on Saturday, April 25. ## Resources: • Communications materials (flyers, social media content) created by City staff and the Communications team ## May: Bicycling and Walking & Water Conservation Dates of Note Resources related to monthly topic ## Bike to Work Day – ## Friday, May 15 ## National Bike to ## Work Week – May 11-17 ## National Bike Month In May, communications content will focus on bicycling and walking as this theme aligns with dates relevant to this topic. ## Resources: ## • Oakdale Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan • Information about local trails, routes, projects, improvements ## • Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota o Bicycle safety o Events o Local bike clubs o Education Communications content will also focus on water conservation. It is a good time to remind residents about conserving water in the summer, the odd-even watering schedule, rain gardens, and available financial assistance. ## Resources: • Washington County rain barrel sales • Water quality improvement grants: ## o Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District ## Stewardship Grants ## o South Washington Watershed District Stewardship ## Grant ## o Valley Branch Watershed District Best Management ## Practices Grant Program ## o Washington Conservation District financial assistance ## • Blue Thumb o Rain gardens o Turf alternatives • WaterSense ## June: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Dates of Note Resources related to monthly topic ## World Environment Day – June 5 In June, communications content will focus on renewable energy (e.g., solar, wind, etc.) and energy efficiency. This would be an opportune time to promote City-sponsored Home Energy Squad rebates. ## Resources: • Renewable energy programs through Xcel Energy o Windsource o Solar*Rewards (installed solar panels) o Solar*Rewards Community (community solar garden) • Home energy audit with Home Energy Squad • IRA rebates (solar, electric vehicles, energy efficiency) • Xcel Energy residential resources (including rebates and home services) • Citizens Utility Board (CUB) resources • Residential energy and weatherization assistance ## o Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & ## Washington Counties ## o Energy CENTS Coalition o CenterPoint Energy gas affordability program ## o Xcel Minnesota Energy Assistance Resources ## o Salvation Army HeatShare program • Commercial energy efficiency o Xcel Energy business resources o CenterPoint Energy efficiency programs and rebates o MN Chamber of Commerce energy efficiency ## o Clean Energy Project Builder • American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy financial incentives database ## • National Solar Tour ## July: Going Plastic-Free Dates of Note Resources related to monthly topic ## Plastic Bag Free Day – July 3 ## Plastic Free July In July, communications content will focus on going plastic-free. ## Resources: ## • Washington County Environmental Centers (Free Product ## Room) • Research the journey of plastic bags after they are dropped off for recycling ## August: Miscellaneous Dates of Note Resources related to monthly topic In August, communications content will focus on whatever is relevant to the month. For example, if the Twin Cities or State is experiencing severe drought, content can focus on water conservation tips. If content from the Recycling Education Committee’s communications calendar is timely, Oakdale communications will align and promote that messaging. ## September: Electric Vehicles and City-Wide Clean Up Event Dates of Note Resources related to monthly topic ## Zero Emissions Day – September 21 ## Car Free Day – September 22 ## National Drive ## Electric Month – Sep 11 – Oct 12 In September, communications content will focus on electric vehicles and the City-Wide Clean Up Event. Resources for electric vehicles: • IRA rebates for EVs ## • Drive Electric Minnesota • Shift2Electric ## • EVs with Xcel Energy ## • MN State EV Dashboard 2026 City-Wide ## Clean Up Event – September 19 ## October: Energy Efficiency Dates of Note Resources related to monthly topic ## National LED Light Day – October 7 ## National Solar Tour – October 2-4 ## Energy Awareness ## Month ## National ## Weatherization Day – October 30 In October, communications content will focus on energy efficiency. While energy efficiency is being promoted in June, October is Energy Awareness Month. This would be an opportune time to promote City-sponsored Home Energy Squad rebates if money is still left. ## Resources: • Renewable energy programs through Xcel Energy o Windsource o Solar*Rewards (installed solar panels) o Solar*Rewards Community (community solar garden) • Home energy audit with Home Energy Squad • IRA rebates (solar, electric vehicles, energy efficiency) • Xcel Energy residential resources (including rebates and home services) • Citizens Utility Board (CUB) resources • Residential energy and weatherization assistance ## o Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & ## Washington Counties ## o Energy CENTS Coalition o CenterPoint Energy gas affordability program ## o Xcel Minnesota Energy Assistance Resources ## o Salvation Army HeatShare program ## o MN Commerce Department Energy Assistance ## Program • Commercial energy efficiency o Xcel Energy business resources o CenterPoint Energy efficiency programs and rebates o MN Chamber of Commerce energy efficiency ## o Clean Energy Project Builder • American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy financial incentives database ## • National Solar Tour ## November: Recycling and Reuse Dates of Note Resources related to monthly topic ## America Recycles Day – November 15 In November, communications content will focus on recycling and reuse. Typically, the City partners with the County to offer pumpkin recycling at the beginning of November. This month might also be a good opportunity to do another promotional push for the Food Scraps Pickup Program. ## Resources: ## • Washington County Disposal Directory ## • Washington County Environmental Centers • “Be a Hero Battery” campaign • Recycling Exists campaign • BizRecycling ## • Food Scraps Pickup Program ## • Washington County Free Product Room ## December: Low-Waste Holidays Dates of Note Resources related to monthly topic ## National Christmas ## Lights Day – December 1 In December, communications content will focus on low-waste holidays. ## Resources: • Christmas lights – energy efficiency and recycling o Recycle old light strands at the Environmental ## Centers • Tree recycling at Public Works ## • Food Scraps Pickup Program ## World Pollution ## Prevention Day – December 2 ## Ongoing Content Throughout Year ## • Food Scraps Pickup Program ## • City-sponsored Home Energy Squad rebates • General sustainability ## TO: Environmental Management Commission ## FROM: Hannah Dunn, Sr. Community Development Specialist DATE: June 15, 2026 ## SUBJ: 2026 Adopt-a-Drain Schedule The purpose of this memorandum is to inform the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) of the 2026 schedule for clearing the three drains at Richard Walton Park adopted through the Adopt-a-Drain program. Storm drains flow directly to local lakes, rivers, and wetlands. By keeping these drains clear of leaves, trash, and other debris, the EMC is making a direct impact on reducing water pollution and is contributing to cleaner waterways and healthier communities. For 2026, Commissioners are assigned to clear the drains of debris based on the following schedule. During months when snow may fall, Commissioners should use their discretion regarding whether clearing the drains is possible and warranted. Additionally, with the remodel and expansion of City Hall and the Police Department starting in June 2026, there may be some drains that are not accessible. ## • March: Yang ## • April: Doolittle ## • May: Lasch ## • June: Brendon ## • July: Fenstermaker ## • August: Gerding ## • September: Yang ## • October: Doolittle ## • November: Lasch ## • December: Brendon The map below depicts the locations of the three adopted drains (circled in red). ## Oakdale City Hall →