The Breezy Point City Council has adopted a resolution in support of the Minnesota Green Step Program to be a GreenStep City. This effort is really one of a sustainability. It purports we work in an environmental and responsible manner to curb energy costs, provide for efficiencies and conduct business in an environmental manner.
GreenStep Cities is a public-private partnership administered by Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Prevention and Assistance Division. Other partners are the Clean Energy Resource Teams, the League of Mn Cities, the MN Dept. of Commerce, Office of Energy Security, Center for Energy and the Environment, Great Plains Institute, Green Institute, The Minnesota Project, Urban Land Institute MN, Izaak Walton League-MN Division, and the University of MN Regional Sustainable Development Partnership.
This effort is not intended to be only a city initiative but rather one that encourages the public to think about sustainability and act accordingly. There are 5 general categories we’ll be working from. These include: Building Facilities, Transportation, Land Use, Environmental Management, and Economic and Community Development. The city is required to achieve 8 Best Practice Goals. Three of these are required. We have already accomplished one of these with the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan. The other two include environmentally preferable products and community engagement. Community engagement is important as the more people who make a conscious effort towards change, the more beneficial the ultimate outcome.
Another outcome that we’re working on includes a modification to two of our diesel public works vehicles with emission reduction technologies. These modifications are provided to the city at no cost. We only have to provide for assembly and periodic upkeep.
In meeting these 8 best practice goals there are a great number of activities that we can participate in. As we move forward with this effort we’ll establish a posting on the web site to identify those goals we have obtained and those we are working on.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Breezy Point Comprehensive Plan
The City Council took a big step at their June meeting in adopting the Comprehensive Plan. The previous plan had been adopted in 1998. The plan was badly needed to guide the future development and growth of the community.
The development of this plan occurred with the creation of a task force of 11 people who worked tirelessly with many meetings over the past 3 years to bring the plan to completion. Along with the efforts of the task force were other elements of public participation which gave further guidance to the committee. These included 2 public participation meetings to gather consensus on the issues facing the city. An email distribution list was assembled with over 100 participants to update and gather additional information. A public opinion survey was accomplished with a 30% response rate and 2 open house sessions were accomplished to gather final feedback before completion. The Planning Commission was also involved along the way.
This document becomes a key resource in considering land use issues, zoning ordinances and changes, infrastructure improvements and extensions, wastewater, storm water and parks.
As we move forward with this document there are a number of changes or responses that need to be addressed as a number of recommendations have been made. The Planning Commission carries a good deal of the responsibility in these actions however many need City Council approval as well. Such actions include amendments to the zoning ordinance, zoning map, along with review of other polices.
I want to extend thanks to the task force members for their efforts. They include: Michael Maroni, Scott Willer, Diane Williams, Otto Schmid, Mike Landecker, Mike Weibolt, David Spizzo, Carol Metzger, Wini Kristufek, Gary Bakken, and Tom Engfer. I also want to extend a thank you to the citizens who participated in the process.
The development of this plan occurred with the creation of a task force of 11 people who worked tirelessly with many meetings over the past 3 years to bring the plan to completion. Along with the efforts of the task force were other elements of public participation which gave further guidance to the committee. These included 2 public participation meetings to gather consensus on the issues facing the city. An email distribution list was assembled with over 100 participants to update and gather additional information. A public opinion survey was accomplished with a 30% response rate and 2 open house sessions were accomplished to gather final feedback before completion. The Planning Commission was also involved along the way.
This document becomes a key resource in considering land use issues, zoning ordinances and changes, infrastructure improvements and extensions, wastewater, storm water and parks.
As we move forward with this document there are a number of changes or responses that need to be addressed as a number of recommendations have been made. The Planning Commission carries a good deal of the responsibility in these actions however many need City Council approval as well. Such actions include amendments to the zoning ordinance, zoning map, along with review of other polices.
I want to extend thanks to the task force members for their efforts. They include: Michael Maroni, Scott Willer, Diane Williams, Otto Schmid, Mike Landecker, Mike Weibolt, David Spizzo, Carol Metzger, Wini Kristufek, Gary Bakken, and Tom Engfer. I also want to extend a thank you to the citizens who participated in the process.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Beginnings
I wanted to start with an introduction; I'm Joe Rudberg the new City Administrator for Breezy Point. What a start it has become! I have met many good people and dedicated employees. It has been a mix of lots of issues, new geography and learning the ropes. I'm enjoying the job and the new environment. Everyone has been very friendly and encouraging which has also been wonderful.
My attempt with this blog is to help us all better understand what's happening in the community. My goal is to post a blog weekly but they may be done periodically at the start. If there are issues that need some understanding or feedback presented please let me know, I'll do my best to address them.
I have rented a house in town and have settled in. We're in the process of trying to sell our home and eventually make the move. It has been interesting and exciting. Along the way I have been reacquainted with people I have know in the past with family friends in Cross Lake, township supervisors in Jenkins and Ideal and colleagues I have known who work in the area. City staff members have been great in helping me understand the area, give directions and let me know what the area businesses and restaurants have to offer.
I look forward to helping us all better life in Breezy Point. Thank you for the opportunity to serve your community.
My attempt with this blog is to help us all better understand what's happening in the community. My goal is to post a blog weekly but they may be done periodically at the start. If there are issues that need some understanding or feedback presented please let me know, I'll do my best to address them.
I have rented a house in town and have settled in. We're in the process of trying to sell our home and eventually make the move. It has been interesting and exciting. Along the way I have been reacquainted with people I have know in the past with family friends in Cross Lake, township supervisors in Jenkins and Ideal and colleagues I have known who work in the area. City staff members have been great in helping me understand the area, give directions and let me know what the area businesses and restaurants have to offer.
I look forward to helping us all better life in Breezy Point. Thank you for the opportunity to serve your community.
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