The City of Wayzata’s Energy and Environment Committee delivered an update at the September 17, 2024, City Council meeting, outlining ongoing projects and future initiatives aimed at sustainability and environmental stewardship.
$50,000 Grant Award from MPCA
Committee Chair Lauren Lindelof highlighted a number of developments including the approval of a $50,000 local climate action planning grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), which has been approved but is still being finalized.
The grant may be used for data analysis on various topics, including an electric vehicle study, utility infrastructure, emergency preparedness, water and waste data, conducting a vulnerability assessment, or creating a city operations implementation plan.
“It’s not been finalized yet, but we have been notified our grant application was approved. The draft agreement with the MPCA will come before the council, for your review, before any work is started,” stated Lindelof.
Dark Skies Initiative
The committee is also exploring ways to advance its Dark Skies initiative. Dark Skies is an initiative aimed at reducing light pollution to preserve natural night environments, improve human health, protect wildlife, and enhance energy efficiency by promoting responsible outdoor lighting practices.
Lindlof explained that the committee’s Dark Skies objectives include developing a new lighting ordinance for future developments, creating educational materials for the public, and revising city-owned lighting, such as on Lake Street and at the beach, to ensure a comprehensive policy.
Solar Array Tour at the Muni
Wayzata RestaurantsIn addition, the public is invited to tour solar arrays at the Wayzata Bar & Grill, the restaurant owned by the City as part of the National and Minnesota Sustainability Tour on Sunday, October 6, from 3-5 p.m. The event will showcase the city’s commitment to renewable energy.
Pollinator Friendly Gardens
Efforts to enhance Wayzata’s natural environment were also discussed. Energy and Environment Committee member and Wayzata High School student Ava McNanley is helping maintain a bee-friendly garden at the high school, which complements the city’s native garden initiative. Additionally, native plantings have been installed at the Wayzata Library.
Nominees for Sustainability Award Sought
The committee continues to seek nominees for its annual Sustainability Award. The award recognizes organizations or businesses that have made strides in reducing waste, lowering energy use, utilizing renewable energy, adopting native landscaping, or conserving water.
Finally, Lindlof reported on the successful LED lighting retrofit projects at the Wayzata Fire Department and Klapprich Park, further showcasing the city’s ongoing efforts to improve energy efficiency.
