Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 05/05/2014

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Councilmember introduced the following resolution and moved for its adoption: RESOLUTION #14- XX -XXX A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF RAMSEY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MINNESOTA GREENSTEP CITIES PROGRAM WHEREAS, Minnesota GreenStep Cities is a voluntary challenge, assistance and recognition program to help cities achieve their sustainability and quality -of -life goals. GreenStep is a free, continuous improvement program, managed by a public - private partnership, and based upon twenty -eight (28) best practices. Each best practice can be implemented by completing one or more actions at a 1, 2 or 3 -star level, from a list of four to eight actions. These actions focus on cost savings and energy use reduction as well as encourage civic innovation; and WHEREAS, the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program assists in facilitating technical assistance for the implementation of these sustainable development best practices; and WHEREAS, the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program provides cost - effective sustainable development best practices in the following five categories: (1) Buildings and Lighting; (2) Transportation; (3) Land Use; (4) Environmental Management; and (5) Economic and Community Development; WHEREAS, uncertainty in energy prices and the transition away from fossil fuel energy sources present new challenges and opportunities to both the City of Ramsey and to the economic health of its citizens and businesses; and WHEREAS, climate changes have been observed in Minnesota and have the potential to negatively impact local, regional and state economies; infrastructure development; habitat; ecological communities, including native fish and wildlife populations; spread invasive species and exotic diseases; reduce drinking water supplies and recreational opportunities; and pose health threats to our citizens; and WHEREAS, local governments have the unique opportunity to achieve both energy use and climate change gas reductions and cost savings through building and facilities management; land use and transportation planning; environmental management; and through economic and community development; and WHEREAS, efforts to address energy and climate issues provide an opportunity to move toward energy self - reliance and greater community resiliency and quality of life; provide environmentally healthy and cheaper -to- operate public buildings; encourage new economic development and local jobs; and support local food and renewable energy production; and