The Sustainability and Resiliency Commission of Rochester, Minnesota, met on May 15, 2026, at 4:31 p.m. The meeting included public comment, a presentation from Olmsted County’s new sustainability coordinator, discussions on a natural gas franchise fee pilot program and the Healthy Home Helpers initiative, and staff updates. No formal votes were taken on action items, but the commission provided feedback that will inform a draft recommendation letter for the next meeting.
Agenda Amendment: Unanimously approved to move New Business (Olmsted County Sustainability Overview) before Old Business to accommodate a guest speaker. Motion by Seth Behrends, second by Edward L. Cohen.
Olmsted County Sustainability Overview: Lorenzo Munoz, the county’s new sustainability coordinator, presented an overview of the county’s five strategic priorities (adopted April 2024), including environment sustainability. He highlighted the county’s Climate Action Plan (32 activities focused on buildings/energy, natural resources, waste/materials, transportation, and people). Key initiatives: a new Material Recovery Facility (MERT) being built next to the waste-to-energy plant, 76 rooftop solar panels, four EV charging stations, soil health programs with the Soil and Water Conservation District, and expansion of a food waste drop-off program (with an app-based system to reduce contamination). The presentation included Q&A on collaboration opportunities, the MERT’s funding status, and lessons from Colorado’s composting mandate failures.
Natural Gas Franchise Fee – Pilot Program Concepts: Staff presented findings from a community engagement period (December 2025–March 2026) that reached over 3,600 community members through 50+ engagement activities (38 residential, 14 business/property manager) and a survey. A slight majority supported a fee conditionally, with a preference for lower monthly amounts ($1–$2 residential) and for funds to be used on sustainability programs, especially home rebates. Affordability and inclusion of renters/non-homeowners were key concerns. Staff proposed two pilot programs (funded by council contingency funds, not to exceed $100,000): (1) electrification/energy efficiency incentive stacking (e.g., air-source heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, electric panel upgrades, renter options like air purifiers and e-bikes) and (2) a Community Sustainability Partnership Grant ($2,000–$10,000 per project) for neighborhood-led projects (community gardens, tree planting, shared equipment libraries, etc.). Commissioners provided feedback: support for the community grant program to build trust and reach renters, concerns about RPU program accessibility and paperwork, a desire for more innovative project ideas (e.g., electric bikes, insulation), and emphasis on measurable outcomes. Staff will draft a recommendation letter for the June meeting.
Healthy Home Helpers (Healthy Air and Homes Initiative): Staff provided an update on the program, which offers free in-home consultations (by two navigators, Kristen and Tom), a $120 value home kit (LED bulbs, weatherization materials, radon test kit, etc.), and connections to RPU energy audits and fire department smoke/CO detector programs. The program has a waiting list of 100 residents. Outreach strategies include flyers, social media, mailers, and community partner presentations. The commission discussed outreach ideas (e.g., flyers at post offices, legislative outreach) and requested volunteers for practice home assessments. Commissioners emphasized visibility of the commission at events (e.g., Earth Fest had 1,500 attendees) and suggested a letter to the editor or branded items (e.g., t-shirts).
Staff Updates:
Commission Member Comments:
Do you have like a tie on and a suit coat that you leave in the car and run into our meeting? I believe uh at the office. Oh, there you go. It's not that we set. All right. All right. Good afternoon. Welcome to the City of Rochester Sustainability and Resiliency Commission. Forgive me, I should say that at the beginning of the supporting so people know. We're gonna start with a call to order and a roll call attendance. Um Seth Barrens. Present. Amy Cockkin. Here. Amanda Holloway is out of town at a conference. Terry Kinsey here. Casey McQuaid. Here. Edward Cohen. Here. Brian Morgan. Not here yet. Liam Arroyo. Stuart Russ here. Stuart also said he was unable to make it tonight. So next, we will um review and approve the minutes from our last meeting in April. Were there any additions, corrections, or comments on the minutes? Hearing none, can I get a motion to approve? Motion to average the minutes. Second. Thank you. All in favor? Aye. Awesome. Okay. We're now going to move into our open comment period. This is an opportunity for the public to provide comments to the commission regarding items not on the agenda. The commission will not discuss or take action on them. According to the advisory boards, committees and commission rules of procedures and operation. Each speaker is limited to four minutes, and there's a 15-minute time limit for open comment period on the agenda. Is there anyone wishing to make comments during the open comment period? Do we have anyone online? No, nothing. Yes. Can you please join us at the table so that we can pick up the sound and appreciate it? Thank you. Um my name is Mike Deggerstrom, and I'm here to read a letter on behalf of the Zenville Valley Audubon Society. Most members were likely present last month when we read a letter describing the rapid and concerning declines in our local wildlife. We also explained that a 35 to 50% annual growth rate in native plant landscaping could add significant habitat within a 15 to 20 year time span. Such adoption rates may actually offset the habitat destruction currently occurring from rapid residential development.