Non-Hazardous Industrial Burn Program

In the Know column: Alexandria may become GreenStep city From the column: Stewardship is the responsibility of every individual. I do think local units of government have a role in building support and momentum for initiatives that are non-partisan and in the interest of the common goodOpinionBy Bobbie Osterberg, Alexandria mayorThings happen when people collaborate and have skin in the game.Recently, a local group suggested the Alexandria City Council take action in local environmental stewardship. I am a fan of citizen-led initiatives.This group’s request made me both proud and disappointed. It was good to be reminded by people who live here that the “colors” of Alexandria, green and blue, are tied to our outstanding quality of life due to the natural environment.Stewardship is the responsibility of every individual. I do think local units of government have a role in building support and momentum for initiatives that are non-partisan and in the interest of the common good.It was disappointing to learn that people who live here were unaware of the stewardship work that is already in place. And it was easy to understand. Governing bodies take on community-size challenges. They quietly go about the work of achieving the goal. Then forget to report back the results of their work. It comes from a philosophy that doing the right thing doesn’t need to be publicly rewarded.The city council has encouraged me to move forward. This initiative captures what has already been achieved and aims to keep the momentum and community education going. The outcome will give direction for future projects.Thank you to Council Member Nicole Mace who suggested the city apply to become a GreenStep City ( greenstep.pca.state.mn.us ) The program launched in 2010 and celebrates 145 Minnesota cities and tribal nations that have achieved the GreenStep City recognition.The ALP Board of Public Utilities has endorsed the idea. ALP Utilities has been at the forefront of environmental stewardship. The board approved the creation of a GreenStep Task Force and is now accepting applications to choose five individuals from the ALP service area. The application used to apply for a city board or committee appointment will be used. This is a one-year appointment ( alexandriamn.city/boards-and-commissions/).The purpose of the task force is to review the activities required to achieve GreenStep Community status. This will be done by creating an inventory of completed projects that qualify for the status.Ideally, the task force will review and recommend initiatives that should be considered in each phase of the GreenStep community status. GreenStep communities implement several of the 29 recommended best practices. Best practices categories are: transportation, environmental management, buildings and lighting, land use, resilient economic and community development.Alexandria is well on its way to achieving GreenStep status. A sampling of actions taken: A comprehensive energy audit of city owned structures. The result included replacement of all street lights with LED, energy efficient lighting; replacement of coolers at the municipal liquor stores; improved seals in the envelope of city-owned buildings. The energy savings have paid for the cost of the upgrades.ALP Utilities proactively contacts businesses to recommend replacement of existing lighting with LED fixtures. ALP makes recommendations that save local businesses money, provides a financial incentive to make the change and reduces ALP’s sale of electricity. That’s crazy! About 74% of power provided by ALP Utilities is from carbon-free power supplies.Pope Douglas Solid Waste Management's campus is expanding to increase capacity to accept recyclable materials and the types of items recycled. Four public access EV charging stations will be on site (www.popedouglasrecycle.com ).The City of Alexandria’s successful stormwater management practice controls runoff to reduce erosion and filter runoff before it moves into a lake. Plans for parks and transportation activities are in the works.Ready to get involved? Contact me at alexandriamn.city/contact-the-city/P.S. Metal Pick Up Day is April 30.Bobbie Osterberg is the mayor of Alexandria. "In the Know" is a rotating column written by community leaders from the Douglas County area.More info on GreenStep Cities >>>greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/ ... See MoreSee Less

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