note: this application was prepared in response to a ... · successfully meeting these goals...

AttachedisaResilientCommunitiesProjectapplicationsubmittedbyCarverCounty,whichwasselectedasRCP’spartnercommunityfor2015–2016.Youcanfindmoreinformationaboutthepartnershipathttps://rcp.umn.edu/2015-2016-partner-carver-county.Note:Thisapplicationwaspreparedinresponsetoapreviousrequestforproposals,whichmayhaveincludeddifferentrequirementsandguidelinesforproposals.Ifyousubmitaproposal,pleasebesuretofollowtheinstructionsforthe2019–2020RFP:https://rcp.umn.edu/sites/rcp.umn.edu/files/rcp_2019-2020_rfp_final.pdf.

Carver County Resilient Communities Project Proposal

February 13, 2015

2015-2016 School Year

Project Partners:

Community Information Lead Agency

County Administrator: David Hemze

RCP Program Coordinator and Contact

Information:

Nate Kabat, AICP

Planner

[email protected]

952.361.1829

Government Center, Admin. Bldg.

600 East Fourth Street

Chaska, MN 55318

Partner Agencies

City of Chaska

City of Victoria

City of Watertown

Carver County Community Development Agency

Independent School District 112

SouthWest Transit

mailto:[email protected]

Sustainability Statement Carver County is located in the southwest corner of the Twin Cities

metro region. With a 2013 estimated population 95,463, Carver

County is consistently among the fastest growing in the state. This

high pace of growth is expected well into the future; according to

the Metropolitan Council, the population is forecasted to reach

156,520 by 2040.

Historically families, empty nesters, and a strong workforce have

been attracted to communities in Carver County because of

accessibility improvements to major thoroughfares like Highway

212, strong school districts, land use policies that emphasize orderly

growth and preservation of agriculture, and fiscally sound

government focused on wise use of tax dollars. While Carver County

and its communities will continue to attract people because of

these strengths, the population is changing quickly. Between 2010

and 2013, Carver County added about 4,000 people; about 1,000

more people are age 65 or older, and about 1,000 more people are

a race other than white.

As the Baby Boomer generation ages and growth continues to

diversify the population, continued service improvements driven by

partner based innovations will be critical to meeting changing

population needs. Furthermore, continued growth will add pressure

to existing systems like transportation, social services, health and

safety supports, environmental assets, and parks.

The Carver County Strategic Plan and the Carver County 2030

Comprehensive Plan are two primary strategic documents that

guide County decision makers. Importantly, each partner

community also maintains a Comprehensive Plan and each partner

organization maintains its own strategic plans. Carver County and its

partners use their strategic documents to ensure that decisions

made today align with community supported long-term visions,

goals, and strategies. As the lead agency for this proposal Carver

County’s mission statement, as defined in the Carver County

Strategic Plan, sets the tone for all projects in this proposal:

To meet the service requirements and special needs of our residents

in a fiscally responsible and caring way. We will plan the County's

growth to preserve its uniqueness and will encourage rural and

urban compatibility. We will protect our history while planning for a

dynamic future.

Supporting this mission, the Carver County 2030 Comprehensive

Plan points to the need to meet challenges brought by growth with

a forward-looking approach that acknowledges the rich history of

our communities. Accordingly, the plan envisions a County, “where

the future embraces the past in keeping Carver County a great place

to live, work and play for a lifetime.” In other words, Carver County

believes development should meet the needs of the present

without compromising the ability of future generations to meet

their own needs.

Applying the mission and vision, the County Board has set five goals

in the Strategic Plan designed to serve as the foundation for all

future strategies, work, and priorities of the County.

I. Communities: Create and maintain safe, healthy, and

livable communities.

II. Culture: Provide an organizational culture which fosters

individual accountability to achieve goals and sustain public

trust and confidence in County government.

III. Connections: Develop strong public partnerships and

connect people to services and information.

IV. Finances: Improve the County’s financial health and

economic profile.

V. Growth: Manage the challenges and opportunities

resulting from growth and development.

Importantly, Carver County’s Comprehensive Plan recognizes that

successfully meeting these goals depends on “the partnership and

collaboration of all of Carver County’s stakeholders, Cities and

Townships, citizens, and decision-makers working in concert toward

a common goal.” In-line with this, the County frequently

participates in partnerships to serve its communities. Examples

include standing joint meetings of County and City Administrators,

and of County and City Planners and Engineers to discuss common

issues, learn from each other’s experiences, and foster

collaboration. Public Health’s implementation of the Statewide

Health Improvement Program (SHIP) involves active partnerships

with Cities, schools, housing providers, healthcare providers, and

childcare providers. Uniquely, the County Sheriff’s Office contracts

police services to every City in the County except for Chaska, the

Carver County GIS Office contracts services to Cities, the Land

Management Office serves as the zoning authority for all

Townships, the Library system is centralized to the County, and the

Carver County Open Fiber Initiative connects all 11 cities in the

County to high-speed internet services. These examples are

illustrative of the tightly interwoven relationships the County

maintains with municipalities and community partners to meet its

goals, and support the high quality of life residents have grown to

expect.

This proposal serves as yet one more example of the County

leveraging its partnerships to multiply benefits for its residents. This

proposal is collaborative in every sense of the word. Projects have

been identified, and will be led by multiple external and internal

partners. Many projects take a County-wide perspective, others

target particular areas of the County, and still others are City

specific. In all cases, outcomes and lessons learned will be shared

Carver County’s Comprehensive Plan recognizes that

success depends on “the partnership and

collaboration of all of Carver County’s stakeholders,

Cities and Townships, citizens, and decision-makers

working in concert toward a common goal.”

through established networks like the standing joint administrators

meetings and planner/engineers meetings.

Partners serving as project leads in this proposal include the Carver

County Community Development Agency, Carver County Historical

Society, City of Chaska, City of Victoria, City of Watertown,

SouthWest Transit, County Administrative Services, County Planning

& Water Management, County Public Health, and County Social

Services. All of the projects included in this proposal will advance

long term goals identified by each lead community or agency.

Furthermore, by impacting quality of life and contributing to the

County’s body of knowledge related to meeting residents’ needs

these projects advance the County as a whole.

To ensure students’ work will result in impactful outcomes that will

serve initiatives within Carver County well into the future, projects

outlined in this proposal are designed to directly impact strategies

and goals set in the County’s Strategic Plan and Comprehensive

Plan, as well as priorities of the County’s partners.

The collaborative nature of this proposal recognizes that Carver

County’s resilience depends on the strength of its communities.

Proposal Development Process The following explains the process that has gone into developing

this proposal, which is the second submission to RCP by Carver

County. The described process has focused on improving upon the

first submission, relying on project leads to identify and develop

projects that meet County and partner community needs, and

emphasizing collaboration between the County and its partners.

This proposal involves a diverse set of partners including the County

Administration, County Planning and Water Management, County

Social Services, County Public Health, Carver County CDA, Carver

County Historical Society, City of Chaska, City of Watertown, City of

Victoria, School District 112, and SouthWest Transit to provide a

well-rounded set of projects that include a broad representation of

government services provided in Carver County. Including City and

community organizations affords an opportunity for these smaller

organizations that otherwise would not be able to support a full RCP

application to access University of Minnesota resources while also

advancing County supported goals.

Carver County’s proposal development process began with an

informal meeting in October, 2014, over coffee with program

coordinator Mike Greco. At this meeting, County staff, including

Nate Kabat (proposal lead) and Paul Moline (County Planning &

Water Management Manager), discussed the objective to connect

County departments, communities, and partner agencies with

University resources to gain insight and assistance with key issues

that face Carver County and its communities. Staff also sought to

learn how to improve upon the RCP proposal that was submitted in

response to the 2014-2015 school year RFP. Staff learned that the

proposal could be improved by clearly articulating partnerships

involved in the proposal, refining project descriptions to describe

outcomes and sustainability impacts, and by involving services that

are simultaneously unique to County government and connect to

strong University programs like Public Health and Social Services.

Following the October meeting, Nate Kabat and Paul Moline began

a number of conversations to educate Cities and community

partners about RCP and develop interest in a collaborative proposal.

These conversations culminated in an informational presentation in

December by Mike Greco held in the County Board Room, and

attended by a combination of City, County, and community

organization leaders representing six cities, four County

departments, School District 112, the CDA, and SouthWest Transit.

From this meeting, the County departments, Cities, and

organizations represented in this proposal were identified.

Project description development has been completed by the lead

staff listed, and coordinated by Nate Kabat. This approach ensures

that the most knowledgeable person about the project’s goals is

leading the project, while contents of the proposals are written to

consistently meet RFP requirements. Furthermore, all proposal

partners have met with Mike Greco at least once to discuss the

projects included in this proposal, and Nate has participated in all of

those meetings as well. These one-on-one meetings with Mike, held

on January 8 and 9, 2015, with a few additional conference calls

later in the month, represent a significant time investment on

behalf of both the University and the organizations represented in

this application, which has resulted in projects that are better

defined, scoped, and aligned with RCP expectations than they may

have otherwise been. In addition, project leads have spent time to

reach out to stakeholders and potential partners to notify them of

this proposal and ask for their participation. Nate Kabat has worked

to coordinate similar and complementary projects to bring ideas

and leads together, and align objectives as appropriate. The project

titled Community Engagement with Minority and Immigrant

Communities is an example of Public Health, School District 112,

County Parks, and the City of Chaska coming together with a similar

idea to create a single collaborative project.

As the letters of support included in this proposal display, elected

leaders and senior staff from all partners involved understand the

effort that has gone into creating this proposal, the potential

benefit student projects would bring to Carver County and its

partners, and fully support this proposal.

Administrative Capacity

Carver County recognizes that this collaborative proposal is a unique

approach to the Resilient Communities Project compared to past

partnerships. Given our approach, the County understands that RCP

has very legitimate questions about the administrative capacity to

ensure projects led by multiple entities stay on task, that staff

remain engaged and energized, and that communications between

Carver County, proposal partners, and RCP remain open and

productive for all phases of the partnership. The following will

address these topics to demonstrate the nature of this collaborative

proposal and the importance of the interwoven relationships

embedded in the projects.

Nate Kabat, AICP, Carver County Planner, will be the program

coordinator to serve as a liaison between RCP staff and project

leads identified in this proposal. Although Nate does not directly

One-on-one meetings represent a significant time

investment on behalf of both the University and the

organizations represented in this application, which

has resulted in projects that are aligned with RCP

expectations than they may have otherwise been.

supervise any of the project leads, he

has developed strong working

relationships with all of the leads and/or

their supervisors. Nate is able to draw

on these relationships to help ensure

productive project management. Nate

will be available to attend and

coordinate meetings during the project

scoping phase with project leads, and

throughout the partnership as

necessary. He will also assist with making resources such as Skype,

Google Hangouts, or conference calls available in situations where

meetings are not able to be held in person.

As explained in the Proposal Development Process section, Nate has

already demonstrated his ability to coordinate communications and

project management among the partners in this proposal. Nate

served as the initial project champion by pulling together a broad

group of prospective proposal partners to learn more about RCP by

attending a presentation by Mike Greco in December, 2014. In

addition, Nate attended all of the one-on-one project discussions

involving Mike Grecco and project leads. Furthermore, he has

followed up to ensure all materials including project descriptions,

letters of support, and financial commitments came together to

support this proposal.

While Nate will provide helpful coordination and oversight, the

development process and interwoven collaborative nature of the

projects demonstrate the high level of motivation and involvement

of project leads and the stakeholders depending on results. All

project descriptions have been identified and developed by the

project leads listed. This serves as

evidence that the project leads are

motivated to see the projects through

because the outcomes will directly

impact their work. Furthermore, as

the project descriptions illustrate,

most have one or more stakeholders

listed who represent organizations

that are also involved in this proposal.

In many cases the same staff that is

leading one or more projects is also a stakeholder in another

project. This interconnectedness creates a situation of peer reliance

that further ensures successful project implementation.

Twenty of the thirty-four projects are led by a Carver County staff

person or CDA staff person (which is a sister agency of the County).

The remaining projects are led by City, School District, or SouthWest

Transit staff. All of the external organization staff leading projects

are senior level staff including City Administrators, Department

Directors, Planning Directors, and City Engineers. The high level of

County involvement along with the high level of leadership

involvement by partner agencies further serve to ensure successful

implementation of this proposal.

Public Involvement The projects in this proposal represent important initiatives that will

impact the way a number of governments and organizations

provide services to the public. Accordingly, this proposal recognizes

that public involvement and engagement will be critical both on a

project level when appropriate, and to the RCP partnership as a

The interwoven collaborative nature of

the projects demonstrates the high

level of motivation and involvement of

project leads and the stakeholders

depending on results.

whole. This section will explain how this proposal will engage the

public on individual projects and with the broader partnership.

Partnership Level Public Involvement

Carver County is eager to work with the University in a number of

ways to promote the RCP partnership locally and regionally. Nick

Koktavy, the County’s Project and Communications Manager, has

agreed to assist with developing press releases and utilizing County

social media and web resources to promote the partnership. The

County sees great value in promoting this unique partnership to

local and regional citizens as an example of good government.

The County maintains productive relationships with local

newspapers including the Chaska Herald, Chanhassen Villager,

Waconia Patriot, Norwood Young America Times, and Carver

County News and has had success with larger outlets like the Star

Tribune. Press releases about the partnership and related to specific

projects, as relevant, would be developed and targeted to these

traditional print outlets, and local television news sources in

partnership with the Resilient Communities Project.

The County plans to launch a new and refreshed website in spring,

2015. The new website would present an opportunity to develop

space dedicated to the Resilient Communities Project. This space

could highlight ongoing projects, and serve as a clearinghouse for

final reports and materials as students’ completed work. The

clearinghouse would not only help highlight the great impact of the

partnership on Carver County, but also enable communities to

access the information to inform their own work, and provide direct

links to the information from their own respective websites.

Carver County currently maintains a number of Facebook and

Twitter accounts operated by specific divisions and departments.

The new website will enhance coordination of social media

operated by the County, which can be used to promote the Resilient

Communities Project partnership. Social media messages can also

be shared with project partners to coordinate messages as

appropriate.

Project Based Public Involvement

Project descriptions included in this proposal are designed to

explicitly identify project partners and stakeholders who will be

engaged to support specific projects. Depending on the nature of

the project, community groups or individuals may be involved to

provide insight into the needs and perspectives of key stakeholders.

As a part of the project description development process, project

leads have made contact with stakeholders identified on

descriptions to notify them of this proposal and ask for their

involvement. Project leads understand that part of their role is to

assist students with bringing stakeholders to the table to inform

their projects, which is why they have been proactive in forming the

appropriate relationships with stakeholders ahead of this proposal.

Long-Term Benefits This proposal includes projects that address a broad cross-section of

topics that Carver County and its communities face. To provide a

few examples, students will provide insights into issues facing at-risk

populations like ex-offenders, children, minority, and new

immigrant communities. They will develop recommendations on

housing and transportation topics that build connections for all

residents to successfully live, work, and play in Carver County.

Students will research energy and environment topics that inform

the County and its partners about how to become more efficient

and effective stewards of limited resources in order to meet the

needs of today’s population without compromising future

generations. As stated by Commissioner Maluchnik in the County

Board’s support letter, “the results University of Minnesota

students would produce for these projects would benefit the

County for years to come.”

Truly, this proposal has already begun to build new and strengthen

existing relationships that will undoubtedly result in long-term

benefits to Carver County and its partners. By developing projects

using the collaborative approach described earlier in this proposal,

partnerships have developed and have been reinforced to take on

community issues and objectives with student assistance. One

example is the Safe Routes to School project which will bring School

District 112, City of Chaska, and Carver County together to improve

traffic safety and pedestrian access to the Chaska Community

Center, two middle schools, and an elementary school which are

collocated at the intersection of MN 41 and CSAH 10. This project

represents a new partnership directly resulting from this RCP

proposal. Partnerships like this serve to not only ensure the results

of student projects are carried forward, but also provide a

foundation for successful collaborations to address topics that will

undoubtedly arise in the future as the community continues to

develop.

The long-term benefits of student work is supported by the fact that

projects outlined in this proposal are designed to directly impact

strategies and goals set in the County’s Strategic Plan and

Comprehensive Plan, as well as priorities of the County’s partners.

To ensure connections to long-term objectives, project leads have

focused on developing projects that advance existing and ongoing

initiatives, or projects that address established issues that the

community will need to address in the near future. Project

statements in this proposal state how results produced by students

will be used to move goals and objectives forward.

Next Steps Carver County, and its proposal partners, recognizes that students

will produce a large volume of information and materials through

the Resilient Community Project; which is central to RCP’s appeal.

While the County understands that the volume of information

produced can be overwhelming to communities, the County

believes that this proposal has been designed to maximize staff’s

ability to digest and utilize the materials effectively. Furthermore,

the County is excited by the potential of this RCP partnership to

further strengthen ties to the University of Minnesota.

As explained throughout this proposal, the strength of Carver

County’s approach is its emphasis on partnerships. By involving staff

from multiple organizations as project leads, partners at small cities

and leanly staffed community organizations are more able to

benefit from RCP at a level that their staff capacity can successfully

handle and utilize. Simply stated, results produced by students for

the projects in this proposal will be put to use because project leads

are very much tied to the projects in this proposal, and the broader

work that the projects advance.

From a broader community-wide perspective, the County

recognizes its important role as convener and collaborator. As noted

in the Sustainability Statement section, this role of the County is

supported by the 2030 Comprehensive Plan which states that

success “depends on the partnership and collaboration of all of

Carver County’s stakeholders, Cities and Townships, citizens, and

decision-makers working in concert toward a common goal.” As a

convener and collaborator, Carver County routinely holds meetings

of local government leaders to share ideas and support each other’s

work. Examples include ACCEL which consists of City and County top

administrators and officials, the Quarterly City-County Joint

Planners and Engineers Meeting, Carver County Mental Health

Consortium, and the Office of Aging. Student results can be shared

with these groups to further disseminate the lessons learned. As

explained in the Community Engagement section, the County has

also committed to dedicating website space to RCP to act as a

clearing house for the information developed by the partnership.

In addition to the work students will produce, Carver County is

hopeful that a partnership with RCP will strengthen ties between

the County, its communities and partners, and the University of

Minnesota. The County recognizes that the University and its

programs can offer insight and assistance in many ways, and

believes that the RCP partnership can both build on existing

relationships and develop new ones into the future. As exemplified

by the Downtown Waconia Knowledge, Attitudes, & Practices Study

project description, Carver County has a history of partnering with

the University. Certainly the University of Minnesota Landscape

Arboretum in Chanhassen is a highly valued asset to Carver County.

Recognizing the inherent value demonstrated by these two

examples, the County is excited about further building its

relationship with the University of Minnesota.

Carver County is confident that the products produced by students

through the RCP partnership will be put to use, and anticipates

community impacts well into the future.

“The results University of Minnesota students would produce for these projects would benefit the County for years to come.”

- Commissioner Randy Maluchnik, Carver County Board Chair

Project Descriptions

1. Alternative Energy Development and Regulation in Carver

County 2. City of Chaska Solar Fields 3. County Facility Energy Performance 4. City of Chaska Municipal Services Building Expansion 5. Evaluation of Stormwater Reuse Practices 6. Watertown Whitewater Park

7. Barriers to the Development of Affordable Rental Housing and Single Family Owner Occupied Homes

8. Potential need for HIA’s in Carver County 9. Promoting the Expansion of the Carver County Community Land

Trust Throughout Carver County 10. City of Watertown Community Residential Marketing Campaign

11. County Bicycle and Pedestrian Traffic Count Program 12. Trail Wayfinding Signage Plan 13. Safe Routes to School: Chaska Community Center and School

Complex 14. Park & Ride Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities 15. Transit Market Analysis 16. Marketing Transit Sustainability

17. School-based Mental Health for Central School District 18. Childhood Maltreatment 19. Mobile Homes Parks: Demographics, Needs, Amenities 20. Ex-Offender Employment Infrastructure Development 21. Trauma Informed Economic Assistance Services

22. Victoria Water Conservation and Education Program 23. Downtown Waconia Knowledge, Attitudes, & Practices Study 24. Latino Community Engagement Exploration 25. Assessing Adult Learner Needs 26. School Readiness and Early Childhood Programs for Higher

Risk Populations

27. Carver County CDA – Branding Who We Area 28. Eco-Tourism Marketing Plan 29. Historic Andrew Peterson Farmstead and the Urban/Rural

Edge

30. Measure Innovation 31. Victoria Firefighter Recruitment/Retention and Staffing Model

Study 32. Implementation of GIS Tools 33. Field Turf Maintenance Practices 34. County Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program Evaluation

Environmental Stewardship

Housing Opportunity

Alternative Transportation: Bikes, Peds, and Transit

Human Services

Community Engagement & Education

Building Community Identity

Effective Administration

Environmental Stewardship 1. Alternative Energy Development and Regulation in Carver County 2. City of Chaska Solar Fields 3. County Facility Energy Performance 4. City of Chaska Municipal Services Building Expansion 5. Evaluation of Stormwater Reuse Practices 6. Watertown Whitewater Park

1. Alternative Energy Development and Regulation in Carver County

Description Alternative energy is increasing in use and awareness across the United States and around the globe. Recently, efforts have been made by both public agencies and private energy companies to develop alternative energy projects in Minnesota and specifically Carver County. Carver County recently became aware of applications sent to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for 13 separate alternative energy development proposals to be located in Carver County alone. Primarily, these alternative energy proposals revolve around solar power generation. Other surrounding counties in Minnesota and in the metro area have potentially many more.

Many of these alternative energy projects being proposed in Carver County, and in adjacent counties, are related in one form or another to the Geronimo Energy project. The Geronimo Energy “Aurora Solar” project is a 100 megawatt peaking resource proposal for Xcel Energy being developed by Geronimo Energy. Aurora utilizes solar arrays ranging in size from 2 MW to 10 MW across Xcel’s service territory. Carver County’s specific proposal is for a 10 MW facility to be located on an 80 acre site adjacent to a substation located on Hwy. 5 west of Waconia and east of Norwood Young America. Numerous other smaller solar energy projects are now planned to be located adjacent to the facility. In fall, 2015, Carver County is planning to review its zoning code in light of the recent increase in solar related requests making this project particularly timely.

Questions to address: Question #1: How does Carver County adequately plan for and regulate these new energy facilities via zoning, code

enforcement, and planning? Does the County currently have the right types of zoning and regulations in place to adequately plan for this new type of alternative energy development?

Question #2: How could the Carver County CDA and Carver County potentially partner with these energy companies and assist in financing?

Question #3: What are best practices of design, financing, regulations, planning, development of solar gardens, solar facilities, integrated wind farms, and other alternative energy generators?

How work will be used: The students work will be used to determine the need for best practices within Carver County for alternative energy development and whether partnering with a City or the County to provide the administration and financing of a alternative energy program would be in the best interest of the residents of Carver County. The students could develop draft zoning and planning regulations that could be used as a model for Carver County as it updates its code and other adjacent counties and municipalities. In addition, students could identify a list of potential projects and complete an economic impact analysis of the alternative energy projects to consider jobs created, tax base increase, energy saved, energy developed, financing results, project/loss, ROI, and other benefits or costs associated with these projects.

Continued on next page…

Project Lead: John Sullivan Economic Development Director Carver County CDA [email protected] 952-556-2782 Existing Documents: 1.Carver County CDA website –

Alternative Energy Projects 2.Carver County Zoning Code 3.CDA Strategic Plan Sustainability Impacts:

Environmental Economic Social

Carver County Strategic Plan Goals:

Communities Culture Connections Finances Growth


https://carvercda.org/economic-development/alternative-energy-projects/




http://www.co.carver.mn.us/departments/LWS/docs/Code_Title_15.PDF

http://carvercda.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/CDA-2013-Strategic-Plan-2.pdf-2.pdf


1. Alternative Energy Development and Regulation in Carver County - Continued Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: This project would have environmental, social and economic impacts. The Geronimo project alone will interconnect to multiple XCEL Energy substations across Minnesota and South Dakota, providing sustainable energy and capacity for the local distribution network. This unique design will deliver many benefits including a reduction in line loss, elimination of transmission costs, and geographic diversification of generation assets. As a peaking resource, the project will provide a cost effective alternative to fossil fuel resources, thereby reducing carbon dioxide, pollution and greenhouse gasses. In addition, the project and associated smaller solar gardens being proposed adjacent to Geronimo will reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower electric bills for local business and residential users. Developing new and current best practices with zoning and regulations will allow the alternative energy projects to be developed in a thoughtful and sustainable manner. Financing these projects locally could be a new source of income for both the developers of alternative energy and the County via the CDA Business Loan Fund and the use of conduit debt alternatives.

Stakeholders and partners: Representatives of Carver County and the energy sector are interested joining the Carver Couty CDA to support this project. These stakeholders can inform students about the current regulatory and financial environment to identify gaps and understand requirements of both government and industry.

Steve Just, Land Management Department Manager, Carver County

Aaron Peterson, MN Land Acquisition Specialist, SunShare Energy

Nate Franzen, Director of Solar, Geronimo Energy

Project Lead: John Sullivan Economic Development Director Carver County CDA [email protected] 952-556-2782 Existing Documents: 1.Carver County CDA website –

Alternative Energy Projects 2.Carver County Zoning Code 3.CDA Strategic Plan Sustainability Impacts:









http://www.co.carver.mn.us/departments/LWS/docs/Code_Title_15.PDF



2. City of Chaska Solar Fields

Description The City of Chaska has provided safe and reliable electric service since 1914. With a city owned electric utility the citizens of Chaska receive quick response to outages, personal service from dedicated staff, and less expensive electric rates because the profits from the utility go right back into the City of Chaska's general fund to help keep taxes low. As an electric utility provider, the City is a leader in green energy. As an example, a wind turbine was installed in the fall of 2009 near the Pioneer Ridge Middle School on Pioneer Trail. The City of Chaska desires to build on its green energy source portfolio by planning solar field construction. The City has identified three parcels in Chaska that would be ideal for a solar field. Results of this project will lead to development of renewable green power to serve City residents for years to come. The City believes now is the time to take the lead in solar power for its municipal electric utility. Ultimately the city will use the students work to begin construction as early as 2016.

Questions to address: Question #1: What financing and ownership structure options exist to support municipal solar fields, and what are

their implications? For example, should the solar field be owned by customers or the City?

Question #2: How can the energy produced by the solar fields be incorporated into the grid?

Question #3: What is the financial and environmental payback of solar field installation?

How work will be used: The City of Chaska will use the answers students find to the questions listed to inform final plans for its solar field installation planning. Completion of the planning phase is critical to move into implementation by the target date of 2016.

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: The project will address all 3 components of sustainability and resilience. By developing renewable energy sources, this project decreases reliance on fossil fuels and the negative consequences associated wit them. Solar energy provides a cost effective alternative to fossil fuel resources, thereby reducing carbon dioxide, pollution and greenhouse gasses while lowering utility costs. Furthermore, implementing renewable energy products reflect the goals and aspirations of Chaska’s residents and business community which builds civic pride, promotes self sufficiency, and adds to the City’s unique sense of community.

Project Lead: Toby Saxon Electric Director City of Chaska [email protected] 952-227-7706 Existing Documents: 1.Arial photos of targeted

parcels will be made available

2.City of Chaska Municipal Utility Website

Sustainability Impacts:





https://mn-chaska.civicplus.com/271/Electric

https://mn-chaska.civicplus.com/271/Electric

3. County Facility Energy Performance

Description Over the last several years Carvery County has made strategic energy improvements that reduce energy consumption and also have a short payback. Projects that have or will take place at Carver County which support the reduction in energy consumption include: working with Energy Management Solutions (EMS), the Judicial Center converting to LED lights, Public Works converting to LED lights, and the purchase of an energy efficient convection oven.

Carver County would like to once again audit County Facilities to determine a plan for future savings. Carver County will continue to seek energy improvements that are fiscally responsible. We will also continue to minimize our energy consumption by locating new ways to become more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

Questions to address: Question #1: What energy improvements could Carver County make that have a short term payoff?

Question #2: Are there any alternative energy sources (e.g. solar) that are viable for Carver County?

How work will be used: The student’s reports and recommendations will be used to weigh in on future energy projects. Opportunities to decrease energy consumption of County facilities that are fiscally responsible will be pursued for implementation by Carver County.

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: This project has an economic and environmental impact. Fiscal responsibility is a key goal of Carver County’s Strategic Plan, improving the energy efficiency of facilities is an important implementation objective toward that goal. Reducing the energy footprint of County facilities both saves taxpayers money over the long term to reduces the amount of energy needed to operate county facilities.

Project Lead: Nick Koktavy Project and Communications Manager Carver County Administrative Services [email protected] 952-361-1797

Existing Documents: 1.Previously competed energy

audits Sustainability Impacts:





4. City of Chaska Municipal Services Building Expansion

Description The City of Chaska has experienced significant growth of the past several decades. Service expansion to meet increasing population demand has resulted in the Chaska Municipal Services Building now being over capacity. The City of Chaska is in the early stages of exploring the needs associated with a building expansion. The City would like to incorporate solar, geothermal and water conservation practices into building expansions to pass positive impacts onto its electric and water customers. Setting an example for the Community is an important goal for this project. Some of the space needs include: office space, conference/meeting rooms, vehicle storage, new mechanics bay, locker room for street/park department, new or expanded lunch room, and parking. The students would like assistance from students to understand required easements and setbacks, architectural concepts for new and renovated structures, incorporation of solar and geothermal into HVAC systems, and site excavation/preparation needs.

Questions to address: Question #1: What are the specific space needs that the City of Chaska needs to address?

Question #2: What site specific issues including excavation and preparation in addition to setback and easement requirements need to be considered?

Question #3: How can the City incorporate green building techniques to maximize energy efficiency and conserve water in new and renovated structures?

How work will be used: The City of Chaska will use results produced by students to advise strategies the City can use to upgrade existing facilities and develop new facilities to meet the changing needs of the community as it grows. The City desires to expand its facility footprint in a sustainable way that minimizes environmental impacts and maximizes efficiency.

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: This project will have environmental and economic impacts for the City of Chaska. Incorporating green building practices into facility expansion and development will reduce the City’s reliance on fossil fuels and result in structures that better meet the needs of its workforce and citizens for years to come. In addition, maximizing facility space and limiting energy and water consumption decreases the impact of facility maintenance on the municipal budget which directly benefits tax payers. Furthermore, providing adequate space for the City’s workforce is important to meet the growing demands of an expanding population and to promote a productive staff.

Project Lead: Toby Saxon Electric Director City of Chaska [email protected] 952-227-7706 Existing Documents: 1.Conceptual site maps will be

made available Sustainability Impacts:





5. Evaluation of Stormwater Reuse Practices Description Stormwater management continues to evolve rapidly in the State of MN, the Twin Cities metro area, and locally in the Carver County Water Management Organization (CCWMO). The CCWMO has implemented volume control standards to follow State Minimal Impact Design Standards (MIDS) adopted in 2012. These standards are intended to promote practices which retain a greater amount of stormwater on-site as opposed to discharging directly to local streams and water bodies. In order to meet these standards, many new developments seeking permits in the CCWMO have chosen to capture, store and reuse stormwater on-site. This has proven to be an effective technique with many ancillary benefits such as reductions in use of potable water for irrigation, but it has also raised many questions as the types of systems and re-use applications have evolved. The CCWMO is interested in gathering information and laying out a framework to help answer these questions in order to fine-tune its rules and guidelines.

Questions to address: Question #1: What are the impacts of different types of irrigation systems (e.g. drip vs. high volume broadcast) on

soils, vegetation, land uses?

Question #2: What soil types (amended or natural) and vegetation types are best suited for stormwater re-use, and how should calculations for re-use amounts be altered based on these and subsequent saturation limits?

Question #3: What are the design implications of land uses where water is to be applied (e.g. parks, schools, residential)?

Question #4: What are the techniques needed for incorporating backup municipal water supply , and long-term maintenance responsibilities for differing systems?

How work will be used: The CCWMO will use the results of student work to directly inform updates to the Water Management Rules and Guidelines as well as outreach and training efforts for engineers, city staff and developers. The City of Chaska will use the results to apply standards to local water supply practices as water re-use systems are installed and become operational; particularly those that have a backup municipal supply and/or those using public lands for irrigation.

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: This project will have environmental and economic impacts for the City of Chaska. Incorporating green building practices into facility expansion and development will reduce the City’s reliance on fossil fuels and result in structures that better meet the needs of its workforce and citizens for years to come. In addition, maximizing facility space and limiting energy and water consumption decreases the impact of facility maintenance on the municipal budget which directly benefits tax payers. Furthermore, providing adequate space for the City’s workforce is important to meet the growing demands of an expanding population and to promote a productive staff.

Stakeholders and partners: Bill Monk, City of Chaska – Bill has been involved in several developments in the City where re-use is being programmed. Bill will serve as a resource for municipal issues and access to city sites.

Project Lead: Paul Moline Water Management Organization Manager Carver County [email protected] 952-361-1825 Existing Documents: 1.Carver County Water

Management Organization Plans, Rules, and Guidelines






http://www.co.carver.mn.us/departments/lws/water_managment.asp



6. Watertown Whitewater Park Description The Crow River flows through the City of Watertown in NW Carver County. One of the last dams on the river flows through downtown Watertown adjacent to existing City parks. The current design does not allow for adequate fish passage year round and the Carver County Water Management Organization (CCWMO) has been interested in pursuing removal /re-design of the dam to improve the fishery. The concept of creating a whitewater park has emerged as part of this re-design. A whitewater park would take advantage of varying seasonal flows to create water features that attract recreationalists like kayakers, tubers, and surfers. Potential benefits of a whitewater park would include creating a tourist destination, enhancing the community’s connection to the river, and improving wildlife and fishery enjoyment. Similar endeavors have been successful around the country and the Midwest. This concept is in the very preliminary stage and creates an excellent opportunity for more detailed analysis.

Questions to address: Question #1: What are some master concepts to incorporate a whitewater park into a dam redesign and adjacent

city parks in order to create a valuable attraction?

Question #2: What are the needs of the fishery and how do the widely varying seasonal flows impact design options?

Question #3: What is the potential demand for whitewater type recreation and the potential economic benefits from the resulting tourism?

Question #4: How could a public input process be structured (e.g. design charettes)?

How work will be used: There are multiple uses for the students’ work. A high-level master concept for the whitewater park would provide a framework for the public input process. Recommendations on how to involve the public in shaping and becoming an “owner” of the project will assist the next steps as well. The CCWMO will use the student work to begin the more detailed design process and to assess all the needed state and federal permits. The work will also be the basis for preparing grants and funding applications.

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: The dam redesign will fundamentally strengthen the connection between citizens and the Crow River. Enhancing residents’ and visitors’ ability to “use” the water resource through greater recreation and fishing will develop a sense of place associated with the river which, in turn, advances the ability of the CCWMO and City to improve the Crow River’s water quality. Improving fish passage through the dam will benefit the fishery on the entire river which will allow for a more sustainable ecosystem and recreation resource. Lastly, the potential tourism benefits of the attraction will provide a more balanced community economy.

Stakeholders and partners: Shane Finneran, City of Watertown – Shane is the City Administrator and will serve as a resource for municipal issues, access to the site, and will provide input on the public process and impacts to City.

Project Lead: Paul Moline Water Management Organization Manager Carver County [email protected] 952-361-1825 Existing Documents: 1.Carver County Water

Management Organization Water Management Plan






http://www.co.carver.mn.us/departments/LWS/2010_water_management_plan_update.asp



Housing Opportunity

7. Barriers to the Development of Affordable Rental Housing and Single Family Owner Occupied Homes

8. Potential need for HIA’s in Carver County 9. Promoting the Expansion of the Carver County Community Land Trust Throughout

Carver County 10. City of Watertown Community Residential Marketing Campaign

7. Barriers to the Development of Affordable Rental Housing and Single Family Owner Occupied Homes Description Carver County CDA’s mission is to provide housing opportunities throughout Carver County. As part of the seven-county metro area, Carver County must plan to meet its share of the region’s need for affordable housing. The CDA recently commissioned Maxfield Research to conduct a Comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment for Carver County. The Study projects a housing market demand in Carver County for approximately 35,000 total new housing units by 2040. Of these, nearly 3,300 new affordable rentals and nearly 7,700 new modestly priced owner occupied homes will be needed. The CDA, as well as other entities, has struggled with developing affordable properties. This study will identify specific barriers and provide innovative approaches to overcome these barriers. Project results will be provided to Cities within Carver County to utilize in updating their Comprehensive Plans. Results will also help guide the Carver County CDA in developing affordable housing.

Questions to address: Question #1: Are land acquisition costs in Carver County truly higher than in other comparable metro counties and if

so, what is the reason for this?

Question #2: Why is there such a large discrepancy in WAC& SAC, plat, and permit fees from one community to another and how can these costs be addressed differently when developing affordable housing?

Question #3: Carver County’s comparably high median household income and low number of minority populations is a hurdle to successful needs-based grant applications. Given existing demographics, what other funding and policy strategies can the County use to support affordable housing development?

How work will be used: The Study would be used as a tool to address or possibly eliminate barriers by: identifying innovative approaches to land acquisition, suggesting policy and fee structure best practices Cities can use to support housing development and inform Comprehensive Plan updates and providing data and policy suggestions to increase access to funding. By reducing or possibly eliminating these barriers, our Agency could further our mission. Carver County and the Cities within Carver County will be able to use the data and study outcomes in implementing and updating their Comprehensive Plans.


Project Lead: Brenda Lano Supervisor of Housing Programs Carver County CDA [email protected] 952-556-2782 Existing Documents: 1.CDA Strategic Plan 2.Maxfield Housing Study 3.Carver County 2030

Comprehensive Plan Sustainability Impacts:








http://carvercda.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/555-11-Carver-County-Comp-Housing-Needs_FINAL_v2.pdf



http://www.co.carver.mn.us/departments/LWS/2030_plan.asp



7. Barriers to the Development of Affordable Rental Housing and Single Family Owner Occupied Homes - Continued

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: This project provides a sustainable economic and social impact because it will aid in the development of additional affordable housing within our communities, which would help Cities meet their goals for affordable housing as described in their Comp Plans. Overall, addressing the need for affordable housing will result in cities developing fee structures and policies that support affordable housing development. Affordable housing is an essential element of livable communities and a means to economic opportunities resulting in people having more disposable income. Socially, studies have proven that students with stable housing do better in school and they and their parents become more vested in their communities. The Carver County CDA vision statement is ”To be an innovative leader in creating housing and economic opportunities to create Communities for Lifetime in Carver County” which mirrors the County’s Strategic Plan goal to “create and maintain safe, healthy and livable communities.”

Stakeholders and partners: Nate Kabat, Carver County Planning and Water Management Carver County has a number of goals in its 2030 Comprehensive Plan that support affordable housing development. Nate works closely with the CDA to align County, regional, and local policies and goals related to housing. Nate will serve as a stakeholder to this project by providing insight from the County’s perspective.

Project Lead: Brenda Lano Supervisor of Housing Programs Carver County CDA [email protected] 952-556-2782 Existing Documents: 1.CDA Strategic Plan 2.Maxfield Housing Study 3.Carver County 2030















8. Potential need for HIA’s in Carver County

Description The recent collapse of the housing market has affected many homeowner associations (HOAs). Financially strapped homeowners often default on their HOA dues. HOAs have limited access to financing as they often lack the physical assets required to secure a loan. The financial condition of an HOA is a crucial factor in sustaining the quality of neighborhoods and the housing stock. In 1996 Minnesota State Legislature enacted a law which provided cities or HRAs the means to assist homeowner associations with paying for the cost of improvements to the common areas by issuing a loan which is repaid in a manner similar to property taxes or special assessments. The Carver County CDA was approached by a local City inquiring about our interest in administering or creating an HIA (Home Improvement Area). If the CDA were to actually issue the loans, it would need approval from the state legislature. This project will study the HOAs in Carver County. The information gathered will enable the CDA to make an informed decision on how to proceed.

Questions to address: Question #1: How many HOAs are in Carver County and what are the demographics of these associations?

Question #2: What is the financial health of these HOAs, most notably the reserves set aside for common area improvements, maintenance and upkeep? Have HOAs tried to secure financing in the past?

Question #3: What is the physical condition of the units within the HOA’s? What is an average age of each HOA?

How work will be used: Students’ work will be used to determine the need for HIAs within Carver County. The CDA will also use outcomes to ascertain the best approach to administering a potential HIA; whether it be beneficial the CDA gaining the authority to issue loans, or partnering with a City to provide administration of an HIA program. Finally, results will be used as a tool to educate cities and HOAs about the HIA process.

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: This project would have environmental, social and economic impacts. The decay and aging of properties can result in adverse environmental impacts. Older properties may contain hazardous material and the lack of maintenance could result in runoff affecting the environment and human health. Providing a tool for HOAs to keep their common elements in good repair protects not only their properties but the entire neighborhood and community. Deferred maintenance can affect the value and sale of the homes which affects the economy. With property values and home prices comparably higher than in other metro communities, our HOA communities provide a large portion of our affordable housing stock. This project ties in with the Carver County CDA Strategic Plan and the City of Chaska Comprehensive Plan by promoting and encouraging revitalization of older neighborhoods.


Project Lead: Brenda Lano Supervisor of Housing Programs Carver County CDA [email protected] 952-556-2782 Existing Documents: 1.CDA Strategic Plan 2.City of Chaska









http://www.chaskamn.com/166/2030-Comprehensive-Plan


8. Potential need for HIA’s in Carver County - Continued

Stakeholders and partners: Jeffrey Dahl, Assistant City Administrator, City of Chaska Kate Aanenson, Community Development Director, City of Chanhassen The Cities of Chaska and Chanhassen contain a number of established HOAs, many of which contribute to the naturally occurring affordable housing stock in Carver County. Both Cities are interested in learning about the role HIAs can play in preserving these neighborhoods. Jeffrey and Kate will provide insights to students about each City’s perspective on this topic and can assist with connecting students to HOAs of interest.

Project Lead: Brenda Lano Supervisor of Housing Programs Carver County CDA [email protected] 952-556-2782 Existing Documents: 1.CDA Strategic Plan 2.City of Chaska











9. Promoting the Expansion of the Carver County Community Land Trust Throughout Carver County

Description The Carver County CDA administers the Carver County Community Land Trust (CLT), which is a tool used to provide permanently affordable homeownership. The CLT acquires land and removes it from the speculative, for-profit, real estate market. CLTs hold the land they own “in trust” forever for the benefit of the community. Recently the CDA received grant funding to develop four additional Land Trust units in the City of Waconia. These funds were awarded to our organization from MHFA and Met Council based upon the RFP submitted which had very strong support from a variety of entities including: the CDA, the City of Waconia, Ridgeview Medical Center, the builder, and a philanthropic contributor. The CDA would like to further expand the land trust model to other communities in Carver County. This project would explore innovative and creative ways to create partnerships with Cities, employers, and supporters of affordable homeownership and develop a marketing tool to promote the CLT model.

Questions to address: Question #1: Other than financial contributions to the CLT, what tools could be used to reduce the cost of acquiring

or developing units?

Question #2: What are the best practices for promoting the CLT model and educating the public about the benefits of affordable homeownership in their communities?

Question #3: What are successful outreach tools used by other CLT communities?

How work will be used: The promotional tools developed through this project will be used for outreach and education throughout Carver County. Innovative practices and policies will be presented to Cities throughout Carver County to promoting a partnership to expand affordable homeownership. This project ties to the “Barriers to Affordable Housing” project included in this application. The CLT model is a successful tool for providing permanently affordable homes, addressing the need as described in the Carver County Comprehensive Plan

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: This project has both economic and social impacts. CLTs create permanently affordable housing, which help Cities meet their goals as described in their Comp Plans. Permanently affordable housing presents an opportunity for economic diversity within communities, and promotes community investment which reduces crime, promotes economic development and improves education outcomes. The Carver County CDA vision statement is ”To be an innovative leader in creating housing and economic opportunities to create Communities for a Lifetime in Carver County” which mirrors the County’s Strategic Plan goal to “create and maintain safe, healthy and livable communities.”


Project Lead: Brenda Lano Supervisor of Housing Programs Carver County CDA [email protected] 952-556-2782 Existing Documents: 1.Carver County Community

Land Trust Model 2.Maxfield Housing Study 3.Carver County 2030






https://carvercda.org/rentalhousing/community-land-trust/








9. Promoting the Expansion of the Carver County Community Land Trust Throughout Carver County - Continued

Stakeholders and partners: Keith Traxler, President CCR Homes, Inc. Keith is a builder/realtor who has successfully partnered with the Chaska and Carver County Land Trust in the past utilizing innovative approaches to make projects financially feasible. Joan Nichols, Minnesota Community Land Trust Coalition Joan has been hired by the MNCLTC to promote land trusts and the coalition. She maintains the MNCLTC website, writes press releases and applies for grant funding for the coalition.

Project Lead: Brenda Lano Supervisor of Housing Programs Carver County CDA [email protected] 952-556-2782 Existing Documents: 1.Carver County Community

Land Trust Model 2.Maxfield Housing Study 3.Carver County 2030














10. City of Watertown Community Residential Marketing Campaign Description In anticipation of potential parcel acquisitions in downtown Watertown tied to improvements to the County Highway 10 bridge that connects the east and west sides of the City, Watertown has begun to develop economic development tools such as a Community Profile, and loan document collateral. The City recognizes economic growth is also tied to residential growth, and would also like to develop a residential growth marketing strategy and campaign to supplement and enhance the information available to promote our community. We would like to develop a marketing campaign that highlights our amenities and differences from surrounding communities such as natural resources, schools, and our downtown. The marketing strategy and campaign would be used by the City when talking with developers, realtors and builders working in our community along with first and second time home buyers.

Questions to address: Question #1: How do we market and communicate our City and amenities to 1st or 2nd time home buyers?

Question #2: What is important to young families when making housing purchasing decisions?

Desired Outcome: We would like to highlight and differentiate ourselves from surrounding communities to better position ourselves to those making purchasing decisions.

How work will be used: The City will use student products when working with developers, builders, and business owners to entice them to invest in Watertown. Local realtors, builders, and school district officials will use the finished product as part of their outreach or marketing to school age families and district residents.

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: The City of Watertown’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan recognizes that residential growth is key to the City’s continued economic growth and enhancement of community. The City of Watertown has a great deal to offer prospective residents ranging from young families just getting started to retirees looking to downsize. Additional residential growth will continue to support the local economy and business development by supplying a strong workforce to local businesses.

Stakeholders and partners: The City of Watertown has standing relationships with the following stakeholders who have direct interests in the City’s residential development. Students may work with these stakeholders to gain their perspectives:

Watertown-Mayer School District, Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce, Builders, Realtors

Project Lead: Shane Fineran City Administrator City of Watertown [email protected] 952-955-2681 Existing Documents: 1. City of Watertown 2030 Comprehensive Plan Sustainability Impacts:





http://www.ci.watertown.mn.us/government/planning-commission/comprehensive-plan


Alternative Transportation: Bikes, Peds, and Transit

11. County Bicycle and Pedestrian Traffic Count Program 12. Trail Wayfinding Signage Plan 13. Safe Routes to School: Chaska Community Center and School Complex 14. Park & Ride Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities 15. Transit Market Analysis 16. Marketing Transit Sustainability

11. County Bicycle and Pedestrian Traffic Count Program

Description About 250 total miles of trail currently exist in Carver County, and are managed by a combination of Cities, Carver County and Three Rivers Parks District. About 40 of these miles are along county roadways. Nearly 50 of these miles are regional trails, about 15 of which are managed by Carver County. In addition, about 50 miles of County roadway include shoulders that are 6ft wide or greater, which are considered acceptable for bicyclists. The 2008 Regional Parks and Trails Survey tells us about 45% of regional trail users are bikers. Carver County also knows that many people enjoy using the road and trail systems for biking, jogging, and walking for recreation and commuting purposes; however the County lacks specific data to understand the volume and nature of non-motorized trips. Accordingly, the County wants to understand how it could implement a non-motorized traffic count program on trails and roadways to help inform roadway and trail network planning and prioritization. To this end, Carver County began initial discussions with Professor Greg Lindsey at the U of M in spring, 2014, and would like to continue this work as a part of RCP. This project would consider the County’s existing and planned roadway and trail networks to identify count models implemented elsewhere to inform an approach that fits Carver County, identify locations to monitor, prioritize locations to monitor on a systematic basis, and potentially test methods to begin collecting count data.

Questions to address: Question #1: What non-motorized traffic count programs currently exist in the Twin Cities Metro, State, or elsewhere

that can provide useful models for Carver County to consider?

Question #2: What are the key locations on County roadways and trails where counts should be taken, and how frequently should the counts be done?

Question #3: What methods of automated non-motorized trip counting could be deployed in the field and what would be the cost/benefit compared to utilizing staff or volunteers?

How work will be used: Carver County currently has a roadway system plan, and a trail system plan that identify improvements to the existing trail and roadway network through 2030; both are a part of the Comprehensive Plan and both were updated in 2014. One outcome of the roadway system plan update is that pedestrian facilities are now an assumed consideration for any County roadway improvement. In addition, the County adopted an ADA Pedestrian Facilities Transition Plan which identifies crosswalks in need of improvements to ADA standards. Looking forward, the County will be looking to rewrite its Comprehensive Plan by 2018 with the process beginning in early 2016. A deeper understanding of non-motorized traffic on County roads and trails would inform and refine implementation of existing plans, and improve the County’s ability to develop data supported policies related to bicyclists and pedestrians in the next Comprehensive Plan. Count data would guide improvements to pedestrian and bicycle connections to park and rides, which is another project identified in this proposal. Continued on next page…

Project Lead: Nate Kabat Planner Carver County Planning & Water Management [email protected] 952-361-1829

Existing Documents: 1.Carver County 2030 Roadway

Systems Plan (RSP) 2.2014 Amendment to the

2030 RSP 3.Carver County ADA Ped.

Facilities Plan 4.Met Council 2040

Transportation Policy Plan 5.Met Council Draft 2040 Parks

Policy Plan Sustainability Impacts:





http://www.co.carver.mn.us/departments/LWS/docs/08TR_R_A_Road_Systems_Plan_091117.pdf


http://www.co.carver.mn.us/departments/LWS/docs/RSPAmendment_Final.pdf


http://www.co.carver.mn.us/departments/PW/docs/ADA_Transition_Plan_Final.pdf




http://metrocouncil.org/METC/files/1d/1da197d0-9da5-4d69-8e22-d591890a373f.pdf


http://www.metrocouncil.org/METC/files/3c/3cae8e61-aac1-43ac-a481-244614d150b6.pdf


11. County Bicycle and Pedestrian Traffic Count Program - Continued

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: Outcomes of this project are directly tied to implementation of existing roadways and trails plans, and to development of future plans that will be drafted by 2018. Improvements to non-motorized facilities are in line with the County’s active living by design philosophy, complete streets vision in support of the trail plan, stated intent to provide ADA compliant pedestrian facilities with roadway improvement projects, and goals to create a system of high value trails throughout the County that connect with local cities and townships. Providing facilities to accommodate safe non-motorized transportation contributes to air quality improvements, creates options for people of all income levels and abilities, and contributes to quality of life.

Stakeholders and partners: Marty Walsh, Carver County Parks Director

Carver County Parks manages all County Regional trails. Marty will serve as a stakeholder to this project by providing insight from the parks perspective, and will inform students of traffic counts that currently take place on regional trails.

Kate Miner, Carver County Traffic Engineer

Carver County Public Works is responsible for the County’s roadway network. Kate will serve as a stakeholder to this project by providing insight from the perspective the County roadway network. Kate can assist with providing data related to existing conditions, and would be a key staff for implementing a non-motorized traffic count program on the County road network.

Project Lead: Nate Kabat Planner Carver County Planning & Water Management [email protected] 952-361-1829

Existing Documents: 1.Carver County 2030 Roadway

Systems Plan (RSP) 2.2014 Amendment to the

2030 RSP 3.Carver County ADA Ped.

Facilities Plan 4.Met Council 2040

Transportation Policy Plan 5.Met Council Draft 2040 Parks

Policy Plan Sustainability Impacts:

















12. Trail Wayfinding Signage Plan

Description The City of Victoria and adjacent communities have established a robust trail system that has connections to the Regional Trail system as well. In Victoria, the obstacle is that the trail system works well for those who are familiar with it, but does not encourage use from those are not. Amenities are not identified on the trails, so unfamiliar users do not know how to access these amenities. Connections with surrounding communities’ trails and regional trails are not currently identified on the trails within the systems. Examples of amenities that could be identified by trail signage include: Downtown Business District, Victoria Rec Center, Victoria Elementary, Holy Family Catholic High School, Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail (and Carver Park Reserve), Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and Neighborhood parks.

Questions to address: Question #1: What potential locations for signage would be recommended for Victoria’s trail system as well as

connections to neighboring communities and regional trails?

Question #2: What should the trail signage look like?

Question #3: What are the potential costs and funding opportunities for implementing a trail signage program?

How work will be used: Students work will lay the groundwork for implementing a trail way finding program in Victoria. The work completed by students will inform a design as well as the location of signage throughout the community.

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: The City conducted a walkability study in 2007 and incorporated that document in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. One of the goals of the plan was to develop a wayfinding program. By identifying amenities and providing that information to trail users, we will encourage economic development of the downtown as well as encourage non-motorized travel. New residents and visitors unfamiliar with the trail system will be able to easily identify routes to major attractions and destinations. The wayfinding plan will assist with identifying amenities in Victoria and enhance connections to surrounding communities.

Stakeholders and partners: The City of Victoria has approached stakeholders to help provide input into this project and share the results.

Committed: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Cities of Chanhassen and Chaska Carver County Parks

Project Lead: Cara Geheren City Engineer City of Victoria [email protected] 952-443-4222

Existing Documents: 1.City of Victoria

Comprehensive Plan 2.Victoria Water Use Report 3.Victoria Conservation Rate

Structure Sustainability Impacts:




Project Lead: Ben Landhauser Community Development Director City of Victoria [email protected] 952-443-4218


Comprehensive Plan 2.City of Victoria Walkability

Report Sustainability Impacts:






http://www.ci.victoria.mn.us/index.aspx?NID=120




http://www.ci.victoria.mn.us/index.aspx?nid=147






13. Safe Routes to School: Chaska Community Center and School Complex

Description The northeast corner of the intersection of State Highway 41 and CSAH 10 is the location of the Chaska Community Center, Chaska Elementary School, Chaska Middle School West, and Chaska Middle School East. A study of non-motorized facilities along County roads completed in 2011 identified a number of potential concerns within a two-mile radius of this site including numerous pedestrian/bicycle crashes along CSAH 10, high traffic volumes and speeds at the intersection, and gaps in the sidewalk and trail network along CSAH 10. Onsite the combination of three school facilities and the Community Center result in circulation challenges for vehicles and pedestrians particularly during morning and afternoon pick-up/drop-off times. Students will conduct an onsite assessment to understand critical conflict points and apply the three E’s of Safe Routes to School (Engineering, Education, Enforcement) to make recommendations for improvements that the school district, City of Chaska, and Carver County could implement. Carver County will be conducting a corridor study of CSAH 10 beginning in fall 2015; student recommendations would help inform this study.

Questions to address: Question #1: Where do critical traffic circulation and pedestrian access conflicts exist surrounding the School and

Community Center complex in Chaska?

Question #2: How can the three E’s of Safe Routes to School be applied to improve traffic circulation and the pedestrian environment at this location?

Question #3: What improvements to CSAH 10 should be considered by the County in its corridor study to reduce conflicts, improve site access, and increase pedestrian safety?

How work will be used: Student work will be used by the City of Chaska, School District 112, and Carver County to determine site improvements that can be implemented to improve the pedestrian environment at the complex while meeting traffic flow and safety goals. Results will also be used to inform Carver County’s CSAH 10 corridor study anticipated to begin in fall, 2015. Similar to the Park & Rides project, Carver County also seeks to use student work to build upon the 2011 Non-Motorized Facility Inventory results to continue moving towards implementation.


Project Lead: Bill Monk City Engineer City of Chaska [email protected] 952-227-7525 Existing Documents: 1.Carver County Non-

Motorized Facilities Inventory

2.City of Chaska 2030 Comprehensive Plan Pedestrian Movement and Trails Chapter

3.Relevant Carver County GIS files






http://www.co.carver.mn.us/departments/PH/ccnmfistudy2011.asp




https://mn-chaska.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/Home/View/431https:/mn-chaska.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/Home/View/431






13. Safe Routes to School: Chaska Community Center and School Complex - Continued

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: As stated in Carver County’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan, “Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs encourage and enable more children to safely walk and bike to school. As research and anecdotal evidence shows, the decline in walking and bicycling has had an adverse effect on traffic congestion, air quality around schools, pedestrian and bicycle safety, greater potential for childhood health problems.” Increasing pedestrian and bicycle connections creates an environment that is more conducive to engaging children in active lifestyles, reduces safety conflicts, and contributes valuable amenities to the community that enhance livability for all.

Stakeholders and partners: This project involves facilities operated by the City of Chaska, School District 112, and Carver County. The following stakeholders will represent the School District and Carver County to provide information to students and participate in discussions as needed.

Nate Kabat, Planner, Carver County Kate Miner, Traffic Engineer, Carver County John Thomas, Transportation Coordinator, School District 112

Project Lead: Bill Monk City Engineer City of Chaska [email protected] 952-227-7525 Existing Documents: 1.Carver County Non-

Motorized Facilities Inventory

2.City of Chaska 2030 Comprehensive Plan Pedestrian Movement and Trails Chapter

3.Relevant Carver County GIS files
















14. Park & Ride Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities

Description SouthWest Transit (SWT) currently serves six park and ride stations located in Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Chaska, and Carver by providing primarily express commuter service to employment centers in the urban core and special service to large events like sporting events and the State Fair. Carver County and SWT are interested in enhancing bicycle and pedestrian access at park and ride stations. Students will draw upon studies previously conducted including the 2011 Non-Motorized Facility Inventory report which analyzes pedestrian environments along County roads near park and rides, the 2014 SWT rider survey results to understand current rider insights and commute habits, and the SWT Bicycle Commuter Survey conducted in the summer of 2013. This project will inventory the current environment, analyze data from completed studies to understand need, identify options for improvements, and prioritize implementation. Improvements would be low cost, high impact actions that improve the pedestrian and bicycle environment for riders who currently walk or bike, and are likely to increase the share of riders accessing park and ride stations by means other than automobile. Results of the study will be used by SWT and Carver County to implement changes and inform funding requests and grant proposals to support improvements.

Questions to address: Question #1: What improvements can be made to the current environment at SouthWest park and ride stations to

better accommodate pedestrian and bicycle traffic?

Question #2: How should improvements be prioritized for implementation over time?

Question #3: What guidelines could be followed to guide park and ride development in the future to maximize bicycle and pedestrian facilities?

How work will be used: SWT and Carver County will use concepts developed by students to implement improvements that can be achieved under current funding availability, and to inform funding proposals for improvements that require additional support. Guidelines would be used to help ensure pedestrian and bicycle facilities are maximized as future park and rides are developed. Similar to the Safe Routes to School project, Carver County also seeks to use student work to build upon the 2011 Non-Motorized Facility Inventory results to continue moving towards implementation.


Project Lead: Matt Fyten Transit Planning Manager SouthWest Transit [email protected] 952-974-3111 Existing Documents: 1.Non-Motorized Facilities

Inventory. 2011 2.SouthWest Transit Bicycle

Commuter Survey, Bicycle Parking Counts, and Bus-Mounted Rack Use. 2013

3.SWT Annual Ridership Survey. 2014











14. Park & Ride Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities - Continued

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: Increasing multi-modal connections to transit is an expressed goal in the Carver County 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Additionally, SWT believes enhanced bicycle and pedestrian facilities help meet expectations of key transit oriented market segments. Improving physical pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure connections with transit is one important approach to promote non-motorized transportation alternatives and enhance access to public transit. This helps to decrease traffic demand and increase affordable transportation options. Additionally, active transportation options, like bicycling, promote positive health outcomes like increased exercise.

Stakeholders and partners: Nate Kabat, Planner, Carver County Planning & Water Management: Carver County has a number of goals in its 2030 Comprehensive Plan that support transit expansion within the County and promote multi-modal connections to transit stations. Nate will serve as a stakeholder to this project by providing insight from the County’s perspective related to long-term goals and comprehensive plan implementation.

Project Lead: Matt Fyten Transit Planning Manager SouthWest Transit [email protected] 952-974-3111 Existing Documents: 1.Non-Motorized Facilities

Inventory. 2011 2.SouthWest Transit Bicycle

Commuter Survey, Bicycle Parking Counts, and Bus-Mounted Rack Use. 2013

3.SWT Annual Ridership Survey. 2014











15. Transit Market Analysis

Description SouthWest Transit (SWT) currently serves six park and ride stations located in Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Chaska, and Carver by providing primarily express commuter service to employment and education centers in the urban core and special service to large events like sporting events and the State Fair. SWT’s board has asked to see more local services in and around the agency’s member communities, but to date a feasible local service has yet to be implemented. Students will build upon work conducted by SWT and Carver County to collect up to date demographic data of the SWT service area (Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, and Chaska) and surrounding communities (Carver, Victoria, Waconia) to assess demand in the areas in which SWT is currently, or may be operating. Detailed information pertaining to senior populations, minority populations, low-income populations, and other transit dependent populations would be invaluable in determining the correct local services to implement.

SWT seeks a summarized report of the students’ findings, and a presentation of the results as well. SWT staff would assist students to ensure the students’ are using up to date data and to specify the types of demographic measures that are most important to SWT.

Questions to address: Question #1: What demographic measures are the most accurate predictors of local suburban transit ridership?

Question #2: What reporting methods will be most effective in providing pertinent information to decision makers in a detailed, yet concise manner?

How work will be used: The results of this project would be invaluable to SWT and its member communities. There is a very real possibility that the students’ efforts would lead to actual implemented transit services in less than a year’s time. Additionally, the students’ work would be used in updating SWT’s Long Range Plan and other agency documents.

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: SWT’s potential local services will meet both the goals set forth by SWT and the communities it serves by providing increased access to employment, education, healthcare, government services, and retail centers. Additionally, future local transit services will serve to create a greater sense of “place” as public transit will be seen on a regular basis throughout the communities, not just at park and rides and on highways. Ultimately, services that will likely result from this project will strike at the heart of why SWT was created in the first place - to create greater independence among transit dependent populations, make SWT’s member communities more attractive places to live, and create greater educational and economic upward mobility for the residents of the communities it serves.

Project Lead: Matt Fyten Transit Planning Manager SouthWest Transit [email protected] 952-974-3111 Existing Documents: 1.SWT Long Range Plan. 2011. 2.SWT Local Service Transit

Study. 2014. Nelson Nygaard. 3.Census data including LEHD

data 4.Current SWT local and

express service schedules 5.Service area demographic

information Sustainability Impacts:





16. Marketing Transit Sustainability

Description Every weekday SouthWest Transit’s park and ride ramps house over 1,600 vehicles that would otherwise be driving to Downtown Minneapolis, the U of M, Normandale Community College, Best Buy Headquarters, or Target’s Corporate Campus in Brooklyn Park. With an average commute distance of 25 miles, SWT 40,000 trip miles daily (over 10 million miles annually)! Benefits include decreased vehicles miles traveled, fossil fuel consumed, roadway congestion, and emissions to name a few. Additionally, SWT Park and Rides are equipped with drop off areas, bike racks and are connected to both sidewalk and trail networks - making it easier for riders to leave the car in their garage entirely.

This project will focus on providing marketing materials and concepts to help promote the sustainability benefits that SWT provides to its member communities, as well as surrounding communities, with the goal being for students to roll out an entire marketing campaign centered on the sustainability principles that SWT brings to its riders and communities served. Examples of desired outcomes include: flyers/brochures, posters/billboards, mailers, video(s), designs to be used on SWT vehicles and facilities, and digital content to be used on SWT’s website and social media account.

Questions to address: Question #1: What are the best mediums SWT can utilize to reach riders and communities with its sustainability

message?

Question #2: What are unique and creative ways to visually show the sustainability principles SWT demonstrates to its riders and the communities it serves?

How work will be used: SWT will use materials and strategies produced by students as either part of a larger marketing campaign within the agency or as standalone marketing pieces. In either case, SWT intends is to use the material produced by the students and have it be seen by our riders and our member communities as a whole to build understanding of SWT’s impacts on community sustainability.


Project Lead: Matt Fyten Transit Planning Manager SouthWest Transit [email protected] 952-974-3111 Existing Documents: 1.Existing and past SWT

marketing materials 2.SouthWest Transit Marketing

Plan (2014-2015) 3.SouthWest Transit Strategic

Plan Sustainability Impacts:





16. Marketing Transit Sustainability - Continued

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: SouthWest Transit’s service provides the following sustainability and resilience impacts: • Environment – Significantly reduced Vehicles Miles Traveled on area highways leads to less congestion and

increases the useful life of roadways. Less reliance on fossil fuels leads to improved air quality and reduced production of harmful particulates.

• Economic – By providing a low cost form of transportation to the largest job and education centers in the Twin Cities Metro Area, SWT services provide significantly increased access to jobs and education, which ultimately leads to a more productive and robust economy for the region.

• Social – By providing increased access to employment and education, SWT’s services ultimately aid to increase the upward mobility of the community members it serves. Additionally, the presence of SWT vehicles and facilities in its member communities increases the profile of the communities, ultimately making SWT’s member communities more attractive places to live.

Raising awareness of these important impacts SWT has on the community is critical to maintain support for the organization and to continue growing ridership.

Project Lead: Matt Fyten Transit Planning Manager SouthWest Transit [email protected] 952-974-3111 Existing Documents: 1.Existing and past SWT

marketing materials 2.SouthWest Transit Marketing

Plan (2014-2015) 3.SouthWest Transit Strategic

Plan Sustainability Impacts:





Human Services

17. School-based Mental Health for Central School District 18. Childhood Maltreatment 19. Mobile Homes Parks: Demographics, Needs, Amenities 20. Ex-Offender Employment Infrastructure Development 21. Trauma Informed Economic Assistance Services

17. School-based Mental Health for Central School District

Description Central School District, located in Norwood Young America, experienced two very public student suicides in 2012 prompting creation of The Mental Health Consortium of Carver County to address mental health. Additionally, 2013 MN Student Survey data indicate Central School students have higher than state average rates on a number of mental health indicators such as suicidal ideation in the last year and feelings of hopelessness. Community health needs assessments conducted by two hospitals in the area identify mental health as a focus area. Furthermore, the school has identified mental health and well-being as an area of opportunity for staff and students. Mental health affects the entire community by contributing to struggles from unemployment to social connectedness. This project helps to address the lack of mental health providers in the County and need for mental health support in schools. The goal of this project is to identify specific best practice strategies that exist in similar communities to decrease stigma surrounding mental health, increase mental health literacy and increase mental health coping strategies/skills of school staff and parents. This project builds on existing relationships that Carver County Public Health has with all school districts in the County. Additionally, Carver County Community Social Services has school-based social workers that provide assistance to a number of schools in the county.

Questions to address: Question #1: What best practice strategies are currently being used within the community or surrounding “like”

communities that could be applied (i.e. literature search/review, what training/support exists in other districts?)

Question #2: What does the school staff currently think about mental health (i.e. does stigma exist?) What is currently happening for training on this issue in the district?

Question #3: What financial and community resources are available to support strategy implementation in schools?

How work will be used: Central Schools currently provides mental health support to students as needed, but struggles to address needs with limited resources. Research has shown that adverse childhood experiences, like maltreatment, lead to higher rates of mental health issues such as depression. Another RCP project Carver County is proposing, Childhood Maltreatment, would tie into this project as it addresses the need to build support in the community for those struggling with issues including those related to mental health. The work done by students on this project will provide needed information, research, and possible strategies to address mental health and well-being in Central schools. The work could also help guide strategies of the Mental Health Consortium of Carver County and other school districts in the county serving as a best practice model for change.


Project Lead: Samantha Downs Public Health Program Specialist Carver County Public Health [email protected] 952-361-1359 Existing Documents: 1.Community Health Needs

Assessment . Ridgeview Medical Center

2.Community Health Needs Assessment . St. Francis.

3.2014 County Health Rankings 4.2013 Minnesota Student

Survey Sustainability Impacts:





http://www.ridgeviewmedical.org/images/uploads/Implementation_Plan_for_Ridgeview_Medical_Center__FINAL.pdf






http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http://www.allinahealth.org/About-Us/St_Francis_final_report/&ei=DeTQVKP7GJSiyASY-YDwBA&usg=AFQjCNFelSHhfV4ySN0GWxD1Wc_iJtHZ7A



http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/app/minnesota/2014/rankings/carver/county/outcomes /overall/snapshot



http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/chs/mss/statewidetables/statetablesbygender13.pdf



17. School-based Mental Health for Central School District - Continued Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: This project will support social sustainability and resilience within the community. This project will support existing efforts in the County and Central Schools around increasing awareness and education related to mental health. Additionally, local hospital systems have indicated mental health as a priority for the community they serve. The project will address social sustainability and resilience by helping to build a system, program, or infrastructure that could contribute to a broader community understanding and awareness of mental health and well-being. By identifying resource gaps such as additional staff that may be needed, Central Schools can continue the work by forming a committee, support groups, and share staff trainings with other districts in the County as well as County Social Services working in schools. Fostering a community culture that addresses mental health as openly as it does physical health creates an opportunity for growth, perseverance and hope.

Stakeholders and partners:

Central School District

The school district will provide background information about existing training taking place for staff and students around mental health issues. They will also help guide decisions around what best practice model(s) would work within the school system.

Carver County Community Social Services

This department will help answer question 3. Additionally, Carver County Community Social Services provides assistance to schools in the County and will assist with questions relating specifically to school-based services.

Carver County Mental Health Services (First Street Center)

This department will help answer question 3.

Project Lead: Samantha Downs Public Health Program Specialist Carver County Public Health [email protected] 952-361-1359 Existing Documents: 1.Community Health Needs

Assessment . Ridgeview Medical Center

2.Community Health Needs Assessment . St. Francis.

3.2014 County Health Rankings 4.2013 Minnesota Student

Survey Sustainability Impacts:




















18. Childhood Maltreatment

Description Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic experiences, including abuse, neglect and a range of household dysfunction. Experiencing one or more ACE increases an individual’s risk of numerous behaviors or conditions in later years, including smoking, obesity, alcohol abuse, drug use/dependence, depression, anxiety disorders, early intercourse, job problems, and memory disturbances. Therefore, Public Health desires to understand the prevalence of ACEs, and begin to build resiliency and protective factors in youth to minimize the impact of ACEs.

Three types of ACEs include:

• Abuse: physical, emotional, sexual

• Neglect: physical, emotional

• Household Dysfunction: mental illness, mother treated violently, divorce, incarcerated relative, substance abuse

Questions to address: Question #1: How prevalent are ACEs among Carver County youth?

Question #2: Are youth with one or more ACE engaging in risky behaviors (e.g., alcohol use, early intercourse, smoking, drug use, etc.)?

Question #3: Are programs or initiatives currently in place to build resilience?

How work will be used: Healthy youth are vital to a healthy community. Issues such as obesity, alcohol misuse, smoking, and violence cannot successfully be addressed if ACEs have not been addressed. Data gathered and compiled for this project will be used to determine if an initiative to increase youth resiliency and protective factors is needed within Carver County.

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: Data gathered and compiled for this project will be used to determine if an initiative to increase youth resiliency and protective factors is needed within Carver County. There may be programs or initiatives currently in place that could be enhanced, or new initiatives may be started.

Stakeholders and partners: Public Health will compile a list of potential professionals within the community that can be contacted about current initiatives aimed at building resiliency and protective factors in youth. Professionals may be from various sectors, e.g., schools, faith organizations, child care, and/or community social services.

Project Lead: Jean Pearson Public Health Program Specialist Carver County Public Health [email protected] 952-361-1345 Existing Documents: 1.Minnesota Dept. of Health

ACE Program 2.Minnesota Student Survey 3.Robert Wood Johnson

Foundation Sustainability Impacts:





http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/cfh/program/ace/

http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/cfh/program/ace/

http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/chs/mss/countytables/index.cfm

http://www.rwjf.org/en/about-rwjf/newsroom/features-and-articles/ACEs.html

http://www.rwjf.org/en/about-rwjf/newsroom/features-and-articles/ACEs.html

19. Mobile Homes Parks: Demographics, Needs, Amenities

Description Five mobile home communities are in Carver County. Carver County Public Health is interested in identifying the risks and needs of residents of these communities to ensure that their Public Health needs are met. This project is timely because Public Health is developing a five-year strategic plan and is the recipient of the Statewide Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) grant. The goal of Public Health is to serve the populations with the highest needs and highest risk. The SHIP grant requires that these populations are targeted for services. For this project students will assess the Public Health needs of Carver County mobile home community residents. Carver County Public Health staff will use that information to prioritize needs and begin applicable Public Health pilot programs in these communities.

Questions to address: Question #1: What are the demographics including income, employment rates, insurance rates, access to medical

and dental care, age, race, employers, needs, amenities, and the barriers to healthy living of the residents of each of these communities?

Question #2: Specifically, what are the public health issues facing residents of these five communities? Areas of interest include behavioral health, medical, vaccinations, and substance abuse.

Question #3: What forms of interventions and communications would be best received by residents of each of these communities? How do the different communities differ and how are they alike?

How work will be used: This information will assist Public Health to target the population with the highest needs and risks, and to develop and prioritize programs related to SHIP grant implementation. This project will directly impact Carver County Public Health programs immediately. We will also hope to add targeted communication strategies using residents’ preferred method of communication.

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: The impact will be Economic and Social. This report will be used to target programs to the areas of highest need which will be the most efficient use of Public Health department funds and resources. Targeting populations of highest need aligns with SHIP grant requirements and goals. The programs will help identify the best way to communicate with these residents and help create a sense of community.

Stakeholders and partners: Chaska, Waconia, Watertown, Norwood Young America: Communities with mobile home communities.

CAP Agency and Love INC: Administer programs to serve low income/at risk populations.

Watertown-Mayer Schools, Central Schools, Eastern Carver Schools, and Waconia Schools: School Districts that serve the mobile home communities.

Mobile home park management: Will assist to communicate with residents and inform the project.

Project Lead: Tami LaGow Public Health Program Specialist Carver County Public Health [email protected] 952-361-1349 Existing Documents: 1.Manufactured Housing in

Parks, Twin Cities. Metropolitan Council

2.Carver County, SHIP 3.0 Community Health Needs Assessment. Wilder Research

3.2013 Community Needs Assessment. CAP Agency






20. Ex-Offender Employment Infrastructure Development

Description The purpose of this project is to promote the hiring of ex-offenders with local employers to more successfully re-introduce ex-offenders into the community and productive citizenship. Work on this project was started in August of 2014 with the help of an Americorps/VISTA volunteer. While some foundational work has been accomplished, we are now in a position to better understand what will be required to ensure the success of this effort. The project is a timely effort due to the increasing population of ex-offenders and the increased need of employers to fill job openings created by the economic recovery. Inability of ex-offenders to find meaningful employment often leads to re-offense and significant societal and economic costs on the community, businesses, and taxpayer; along with significant burden on government services. The goal of ex-offenders acquiring and maintaining employment will enhance and sustain the economic and social health of the community.

Questions to address: Question #1: What data driven/best practice processes can employers use to successfully engage ex-offenders in the

workplace?

Question #2: What specific skills are needed by ex-offenders to be successful employees? How can these skills be assessed?

Question #3: What supports are needed by employers/ex-offenders to maintain successful work placements?

How work will be used: Student work will be utilized to research and assess available data and best practice models to develop specific strategies and training curricula for employers and ex-offenders to successfully engage in the workplace. In addition, students will assess the effectiveness and outcomes of efforts to continuously improve processes. Carver County Social Services would like to apply an Action Research methodology for assessment. This type of work would build on the foundational identification efforts already underway by adding the necessary level of sophistication to the needed supports, training, and assessment needed for the effort to attain self sustainability.


Project Lead: Rod Franks Income Support Manager Carver County CSS Income Support Dept. [email protected] 952-361-1710

Existing Documents: 1.Ex-Offender Employment

Handbook 2.VISTA Volunteer Final Report Sustainability Impacts:





20. Ex-Offender Employment Infrastructure Development - Continued

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: This project clearly has direct economic and social components. Local employers are having difficulty filling available positions, while ex-offenders traditionally have been unfairly excluded from the workplace. In addition to business growth, un/underemployed ex-offenders suffer economically. The cost of the need for additional government services and loss of business productivity/profit, along with the corresponding unrealized growth in tax revenue places a continued hardship on the local property tax payer, which in turn leads to a continuing decline in the overall economic health of the community. Another significant social impact is the very poor outcomes experienced by children of incarcerated parents. This project intends to foster productive citizenship, personal well-being, and decreased correctional recidivism.

Stakeholders and partners: Carver County Community Social Services is currently undertaking an initiative to develop a Business Roundtable to more intentionally connect with the business community. This relationship building effort will be engaged with this project.


Existing Documents: 1.Ex-Offender Employment

Handbook 2.VISTA Volunteer Final Report Sustainability Impacts:





21. Trauma Informed Economic Assistance Services

Description Develop a training for Social Services staff as well as action research assessment tools and protocols around understanding how to recognize clients displaying symptoms of mental and emotional trauma in order to appropriately use Motivational Interviewing techniques for benefit eligibility determination and maintenance communications. Community Social Services have already taken the steps to develop a Train the Trainer internal resource in Motivational Interviewing, and work with MN DHS to train all staff on a Trauma Informed context. With the significant increase in persons qualifying for public assistance programs as a result of the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, and the corresponding increase in complexity of the process, working with clients to determine and maintain eligibility has become more challenging. Almost all clients seeking public assistance services have experienced, or are experiencing, some level of trauma. Responding to clients effectively within this context will increase client cooperation, and decrease worker frustration. The effect will be to increase the number of successful eligibility determinations, and more people will successfully maintain their eligibility as opposed to being sanctioned. Acquiring and maintaining the public assistance benefits people are entitled to will help increase self-sufficiency, and decrease reliance other community based agencies. This will also promote greater physical health by increasing access to proactive health care benefits. Furthermore, increasing eligibility allows the agency to maximize reimbursement revenue streams, thereby decreasing the financial burden of the local taxpayer.

Questions to address: Question #1: What are the positive outcomes of a Trauma Informed practice context combined with Motivational

Interviewing techniques?

Question #2: How could action research methodology be used in a client centered continuous improvement process?

How work will be used: Community Social Services currently lacks the resources to develop and assess outcomes and use data driven strategies to improve processes. Student work will be used to develop and conduct research, and analyze results to recommend strategies for improvement.

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: This project has both economic and social impacts on clients. Public assistance benefits are used as leverage to move clients to self-sufficiency. Increasing proper determinations for benefits eligibility also increases the number of people who can begin down the path of self-sufficiency. When this occurs, the burden on private and public safety net systems decrease. Proper nutrition, health care, and stable housing are related to better physical and emotional health, as well as promoting better school and job performance.


Existing Documents: 1.Motivational Interviewing: A

Guide for Workplace Coaches by Jane Nakken, Ed.D






Community Engagement & Education

22. Victoria Water Conservation and Education Program 23. Downtown Waconia Knowledge, Attitudes, & Practices Study 24. Latino Community Engagement Exploration 25. Assessing Adult Learner Needs 26. School Readiness and Early Childhood Programs for Higher Risk Populations

22. Victoria Water Conservation and Education Program

Description Water usage in Minnesota has become a key issue over the last few years. Residents in the City of Victoria utilize 115 -140 gallons per day per capita. The DNR recommended usage is 75 gallons per day per capita. The City is looking for assistance in creating a water conservation and education program to reduce outdoor water use for lawn irrigation. The City is interested in informing residents of excessive water usage and looking at incentives and disincentives to change behavior. Additionally, the City is interested in exploring best practices for implementation of residential water reuse systems. Adding to the timeliness of this project, Carver County is planning to complete an update of its groundwater management plan by the end of 2015. The plan is anticipated to include a conservation education component.

Questions to address: Question #1: How can the City engage segments of the community who are willing to pay high rates for green lawns

to participate in a water conservation program to reduce outdoor water used for irrigation?

Question #2: Is an incentive program more powerful for changing behavior over a disincentive program?

Question #3: How can water reuse systems best be applied to residential water use for lawn irrigation?

How work will be used: Student work will inform the City’s approach to a community education program.

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: Water is a critical resource for communities. Currently, all municipal water in Victoria and other Carver County communities is drawn from aquifers. Results from the MN Geological Atlas indicate that recharge of the aquifers in Carver County is very slow which could lead to greater drawdown threats as populations increase. Promoting water conservation helps to ensure groundwater resources will be available to meet demands of short and long-term population growth. A conservation and education program implemented in Victoria could be translated to other communities where residents are willing to pay high rates for green lawns.

Stakeholders and partners: The City of Victoria has approached stakeholders to help provide input into this project and share the results.

Committed: City of Chaska, City of Chanhassen, Carver County

Approached: Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Cities of Carver and Waconia

















23. Downtown Waconia Knowledge, Attitudes, & Practices Study

Description In 2014, CCWMO determined there was a need to educate downtown Waconia residents on topics surrounding water resources and the existence of CCWMO’s Cost Share Program. Lake Waconia is on the threshold of becoming impaired (polluted) and much of the pollution is coming from the downtown area of the city. CCWMO is embarking on a three phase project that will lead to an increase in water resources awareness, water protecting habits and participants in the CCWMO Cost Share Program from downtown Waconia. Phase I is to conduct a Community Assessment of the target audience (downtown Waconia residents) by means of a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) study. This will occur in spring 2015 and will help staff understand this audience, their community, their perceptions and values relating to properties and specifically Lake Waconia, and any barriers to participating in the CCWMO Cost Share Program. Phase II is to design, create and implement an education campaign, based on the results of the survey that will seek to increase awareness, water protecting habits, and participants in the cost share program. Phase II is to re-evaluate (re-survey) this audience to determine if the education campaign was successful at meeting its goal.

Questions to address: Question #1: What education and marketing tools and programs could be designed based on the results of the KAP

study?

Question #2: How could those education and marketing tools be implemented to achieve the desired goal?

How work will be used: Students will be leading phase II of the project; using the results of the survey to design and create an education campaign to increase water resource protecting habits and advertise the CCWMO cost share program.


Project Lead: Madeline Seveland Education Coordinator Carver County Water Management Organization [email protected] 952-361-1026 Existing Documents: 1.Downtown Waconia

Community Assessment Plan 2.CCWMO Water Management

Plan 3.City of Waconia MS4 permit 4.City of Waconia Local Water

Management Plan Sustainability Impacts:





http://www.co.carver.mn.us/departments/PH/http:/www.co.carver.mn.us/departments/LWS/2010_water_management_plan_update.asp


http://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/images/d/d5/City_of_Waconia_SWPPP_Document.pdf


23. Downtown Waconia Knowledge, Attitudes, & Practices Study - Continued

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: The City of Waconia has implemented a number of best management practices in the downtown area including raingardens, stormceptors, and water reuse systems all with the same goal of reducing stormwater runoff and associated pollutants to Lake Waconia. While the City has done great work, individual properties also contribute pollutants to the lake, and currently no individual properties have participated in the CCWMO Cost Share Program, and very few have practices designed to reduce stormwater runoff (rain barrels, raingardens). The education campaign design to increase water resource awareness, water protecting habits, and participants in the cost share program should result in less stormwater runoff reaching Lake Waconia and less pollutants on properties. Results will help both the City of Waconia and Lake Waconia increase resilience towards pollutant loads in an area with growing population.

Additionally the economy of Waconia is greatly tied to tourism as Lake Waconia brings in many visitors with water recreation activities (fishing, swimming, boating), thus protecting the lake from pollutants and increasing lake health increases the resiliency of the city’s economy.

Stakeholders and partners: Craig Eldred, Public Works Director, City of Waconia

Seth Bossert, Urban Resources Technician, Carver County Soil & Water Conservation District

Craig Eldred and Seth Bossert will be involved in the development and distribution of the KAP survey as well as analyzing the results of the survey.

Project Lead: Madeline Seveland Education Coordinator Carver County Water Management Organization [email protected] 952-361-1026 Existing Documents: 1.Downtown Waconia

Community Assessment Plan 2.CCWMO Water Management

Plan 3.City of Waconia MS4 permit 4.City of Waconia Local Water

Management Plan Sustainability Impacts:









24. Latino Community Engagement Exploration Project Lead: Jennifer Anderson Public Health Program Specialist Carver County Public Health [email protected] 952-361-1317 Existing Documents: 1.MDH SHIP Grantee

Foundational Skills Guide 2.Health Equity Guide 3.Metropolitan Council 2040

Regional Parks Policy Plan Sustainability Impacts:




Description Carver County Public Health, represented by Jennifer Anderson, Carver County Parks, represented by Sam Pertz, and School District 112 Community Education, represented by Jackie Johnston, would like to develop a partnership with Latino residents, focusing on identifying and developing needed services/amenities while enhancing existing work currently being conducted. Public Health has held two meetings with a Catholic church offering Hispanic mass in addition to County staff meeting with Latino residents living at Riverview Terrace in Chaska. Community Education has hosted monthly conversations for families in the schools. Carver County Parks Department is seeking to understand better approaches to reach populations that are underrepresented as users of the Regional Park system in Carver County. The purpose of these efforts is to establish a relationship and positive rapport, building trust and fostering an ongoing relationship to better serve the needs of this population. The goal is to increase the Latino voice/visibility in the community bringing about authentic community engagement that ensures they have a role in shaping the community where they live, work and play.

Questions to address: Question #1: Are there members/leaders of the Latino community willing to explore a partnership/engagement

opportunities?

Question #2: What are the greatest issues/concerns for this population and how can this partnership address them?

Question #3: Are there current efforts being made to engage the Latino community? Has it been successful? Lessons learned? Where are the gaps? How can faith leaders play a role in this partnership?

How work will be used: Student work will facilitate partner organizations in identifying and developing resources that could better meet and serve the needs of the Latino community long term. The development of a Latino Coalition, a group that could begin to lead on matters affecting their community, would be a starting point for partners to build on as the County grows. This project lays the groundwork for a comprehensive, joint effort to strengthen community engagement with the Latino community.

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: This effort will address the economic, environmental and social components of sustainability and resiliency. Partners have an interest in meeting the needs of all County residents and specifically creating a community engagement opportunity that can build over time. For example, Public Health is committed to partnering with populations in the County experiencing the greatest health disparities. Current work is focused on increasing physical activity and healthy food options for Latino residents. In the long-run, improved health outcomes reduce health care costs for all parties.



http://www.health.state.mn.us/healthreform/ship/2013rfp/docs/community-engagement_SHIP3.pdf




http://www.health.state.mn.us/healthreform/ship/2013rfp/docs/HEq-implementation_SHIP3.pdf


http://www.metrocouncil.org/News-Events/Parks/Newsletters/Regional-parks-and-growing-diversity.aspx



24. Latino Community Engagement Exploration - Continued Stakeholders and partners: The following organizations will support Carver County Public Health, Parks & Rec., and School District 112:

Latino residents/leaders in the community This group would be the voice for exploring a partnership and identifying opportunities to work on.

Faith community Parishioners often seek guidance from their faith leaders as non-judgmental, trusted advocates, who can provide connections or referrals to resources. A few Catholic churches offer Latino services on a regular basis.

River View Terrace management and Brandondale management These two manufactured home communities are home to hundreds of Latino families. They are actively engaged with the Statewide Health Improvement Program to develop healthy eating strategies and smoke-free outdoor spaces within the park. Management could be a partner in reaching the community, offering space for meetings, identifying leaders within the park, and communicating with residents.

Social Services Often times, Social Services provides support for children and families of low-income status. Staff could provide a historical view of past and present needs they see from clients. An overview of what’s been offered in the past that protects personal privacy could be valuable in understanding identified needs of past/current Latino clients.

Carver County Law Enforcement Immigration enforcement has been conducted in the manufactured home parks in the past. Trust issues prevent residents from engaging with County government departments. Law enforcement could provide background on immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) activity in Carver County as well as assist in developing possible protocol for future law enforcement action that could be more positive to developing stronger trusting relationships with the community.

Local clinics/hospitals Carver County has a safety net clinic that typically sees the undocumented Latino population. Representatives from clinics and local hospitals could be an ongoing partner in working to develop services and resources to meet the needs of the growing Latino community. This also begins to address health equity issues.

Local non-profit organizations A few social service type organizations serve the Latino community by providing services such as food, transportation, and emergency utility assistance. These providers can assisting to identify the gaps and needs.

Employers Carver County has several manufacturing plants. Many Latinos work at these locations. Employers can be a communication conduit to providing access and space for engaging employees.

Food support organizations/food shelves Food shelves and food programs often fill the gap for low-income residents. They can be a trusted resource for residents who are dealing with food insecurity concerns. Carver County has a positive relationship with several food shelves in the County and could help facilitate a connection with RCP and the Latino community.

Project Lead: Jennifer Anderson Public Health Program Specialist Carver County Public Health [email protected] 952-361-1317 Existing Documents: 1.MDH SHIP Grantee

Foundational Skills Guide 2.Health Equity Guide 3.Metropolitan Council 2040

Regional Parks Policy Plan Sustainability Impacts:














25. Assessing Adult Learner Needs

Description The Eastern Carver County Schools’ (School District 112) Vision Document includes, “Learners across our community will have the opportunity to pursue interests and passions, earn high school and college credit, and advance career skills and certification.” Accordingly, Community Education has an adult learning department whose focus is responding to the needs of our community. We know that learning takes place at all ages, all levels, and crosses all socio-economic and cultural sectors. We know our community embraces a wealth of resources, and Community Ed is positioned to offer a variety of quality learning opportunities ranging from hobbies to passions, life-skills to technical skills, professional development and more. Eastern Carver County Schools’ district vision identifies assessing adult learner needs as a critical component for District health and learner success. Therefore, the School District’s plan identifies that Community Education will, “Assess the demand for, and capacity to meet adult learning needs across the community in partnership with higher education partners including Dunwoody Technical College, Hennepin Technical College and Normandale Community College.”

Questions to address:

Question #1: What is the education level of the adults in our District Community?

Question #2: What are the identified gaps in education needed to make a strong, educated workforce and adult population?

Question #3: What is the interest of regional educational institutions in partnering with Eastern Carver County Schools to meet these identified needs? What are some strategies to move this work forward?

How work will be used: Student work will examine current demographic data and facilitate surveys or focus groups to help identify current need. Students will assist in identifying resources that could be strong partners to help us better meet and serve the needs of the community long term. This project lays the groundwork for a comprehensive joint effort to strengthen adult learning options in the community.

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: This effort will address the economic and social components of sustainability and resiliency. Carver County is one of the fastest growth areas in the state. With that growth disparity in education levels is also growing. We know that the education level of the mother is a contributing factor in student success. If the school district can partner with other educational institutions to provide more convenient access to post-secondary education, we can increase the viability of student success and a stronger local economy.


Project Lead: Jackie Johnston Director Community Education School District 112 [email protected] 952-556-6211

Existing Documents: 1. S.D. 112 Mission, Vision,

Values 2. Community Engagement

Adult Engagement Program Sustainability Impacts:





http://www.district112.org/pages/112ISD/District_Information/About_Us/Mission_Vision_Values


http://www.ce4all.org/pages/Community_Education/Adults/Adult_Engagementhttp:/

http://www.ce4all.org/pages/Community_Education/Adults/Adult_Engagementhttp:/

25. Assessing Adult Learner Needs - Continued

Stakeholders and partners: Southwest Metro Education Consortium:

The SWMEC has flexibly designed programs reaching diverse learners. It exists to equip, motivate, and educate learners of all ages and abilities in an inclusive and flexible learning environment. The SouthWest Metro Educational Cooperative continues to build on its rich history of collaborating with students, families and Member Districts to provide superior educational services, life and social skills, college, career and work readiness training so that learners may achieve rich and fulfilled lives within their community. The SouthWest Metro Educational Cooperative believes everyone has value, potential and ability. See the SWMEC website.

South West Metro Area Chamber of Commerce

The SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce represents businesses in the communities of Carver, Chanhassen, Chaska, and Victoria, MN. The Chamber is a community partner, a business resource and a business advocate. Its mission is to serve and strengthen member businesses, and stimulate regional prosperity.

Hennepin Technical College, Dunwoody College, Rasmussen College, University of Minnesota, Mankato State University and Normandale Community College

School District 112 currently has a range of unique partnerships with these institutions to provide various post-secondary options.

Project Lead: Jackie Johnston Director Community Education School District 112 [email protected] 952-556-6211

Existing Documents: 1. S.D. 112 Mission, Vision,

Values 2. Community Engagement

Adult Engagement Program Sustainability Impacts:




http://www.swmetro.k12.mn.us/page/2579




http://www.ce4all.org/pages/Community_Education/Adults/Adult_Engagementhttp:/www.ce4all.org/pages/Community_Education/Adults/Adult_Engagement

http://www.ce4all.org/pages/Community_Education/Adults/Adult_Engagementhttp:/www.ce4all.org/pages/Community_Education/Adults/Adult_Engagement

26. School Readiness and Early Childhood Programs for Higher Risk Populations

Description As part of the Child Care strategy of the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) grant, Carver County is assessing and connecting with family child care providers, child care centers and preschools in the County. The priority target is providers located in areas with the highest rates of poverty, highest free and reduced lunch school boundaries, Tier 1 and those serving low income (including families on the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)), and children with disabilities.

In researching demographics and child care options, the question arose regarding opportunities on the western end of the county for children age 0-5. Are there high risk children in the county that are not being served and are not ready to start kindergarten due to limited school readiness or lack of high quality preschool options? What are their options and what are the barriers? Public Health needs to know if there is an underserved population.


Question #1: What are the school readiness programs available in Carver County? What are the criteria for eligibility for school readiness programs, such as Head Start or school district programs? Approximately how many Carver County children are eligible for school readiness programs such as Head Start? Determine these numbers based on census block, zip code, city or school district (the smallest of these areas possible). Of those eligible, how many attend?

Question #2: Of the eligible population that does not attend, what are the barriers to attendance? Is there a geographic relationship? Are they aware of these programs and possible assistance options? Are they on a wait list? Why or why not?

Question #3: Where does the eligible population that is attending a school readiness program live? What is the return rate after summer break? What school districts do they attend? Are they more successful once they get to kindergarten?

How work will be used: This work will be used to prioritize Public Health programs for these higher risk school-age populations.


Project Lead: Sharon Heath Public Health Program Specialist Carver County Public Health [email protected] 952-361-1346 Existing Documents: 1.Carver County, SHIP 3.0

Community Health Needs Assessment. Wilder Research

2.SHIP Health Reform Child Care Guide FY2014-15

3.VirtualCAP.org 4.MN DHS Licensing Look Up






http://www.virtualcap.org/viewprogram.cfm?pid=212

http://licensinglookup.dhs.state.mn.us/

26. School Readiness and Early Childhood Programs for Higher Risk Populations - Continued

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: Access to high-quality preschool, which is central to school readiness, has social and economic impacts. Studies show that school readiness significantly impacts everything from reading at grade level to graduating high school to being career ready later in life. Additionally, public health and social services can connect populations identified as high risk with services to help reduce their risk. School readiness programs such as Head Start serve as an entry point for social and economic services. Information gathered from this project will be used to evaluate and prioritize school readiness and public health programs for birth to age 5.

Stakeholders and partners: CAP Agency and Head Start – Chaska

Carver County has one Head Start classroom that serves about 32 students. There is a short wait list which indicates that the eligible population in Carver County is being served. The results of this project will help the CAP Agency plan for any future expansion.

Carver County School Districts

The results of this project may be used by school districts with school readiness programs to plan and better serve children ages 0-5. Children entering kindergarten better prepared will save resources and increase chances of academic success.

Project Lead: Sharon Heath Public Health Program Specialist Carver County Public Health [email protected] 952-361-1346 Existing Documents: 1.Carver County, SHIP 3.0

Community Health Needs Assessment. Wilder Research

2.SHIP Health Reform Child Care Guide FY2014-15

3.VirtualCAP.org 4.MN DHS Licensing Look Up






http://www.virtualcap.org/viewprogram.cfm?pid=212

http://licensinglookup.dhs.state.mn.us/

Building Community Identity

27. Carver County CDA – Branding Who We Area 28. Eco-Tourism Marketing Plan 29. Historic Andrew Peterson Farmstead and the Urban/Rural Edge

27. Carver County CDA - Branding Who We Are

Description This project would help the Carver County CDA further develop its brand and potentially develop a more cohesive brand with Carver County and the Cities within our County. Carver County, the CDA, and our Cities exhibit and express a similar message, “Carver County is great place to live and work”. By effectively branding our entities, we can better communicate our characteristics, values, and attributes. Recently the CDA developed a new website to better market our organization, but is our branding strong enough? Also, Carver County is currently developing a new website and we want to project a cohesive and unified message.

Questions to address: Question #1: Are we effectively and engagingly communicating exactly what we do and who we are? Does our

current brand deliver our message right from the start?

Question #2: How can branding be used to better market Carver County as a place to live and do business?

Question #3: Can the County, CDA and Cities effectively brand a cohesive and unified message to enhance our marketability?

How work will be used: This project will be used to guide the CDA in branding itself and enhancing our marketing in conjunction with Carver County and our Communities. By coordinating our efforts Countywide we could make the most of innovative approaches to marketing all our entities and promote our best assets. This effort would further the CDA’s mission to provides Housing opportunities and fosters Economic Development in Carver County.

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: This project has both economic and social impacts. Successful branding and marketing will attract new businesses and residents to the County. New businesses will offer new employment opportunities and job growth which will bolster our economy. New residents will move here because of the job growth which will also have an economic impact. As our population has consistent growth, we will attain broader social attributes. Our local government, schools and civic organizations will prosper as people become invested in their communities.


Nick Koktavy, Projects and Communication Director, Carver County Administrative Services

Nick oversees County wide external communications including press releases and social media, and is highly involved in the County’s efforts to develop a new website.

Project Lead: Brenda Lano Supervisor of Housing Programs Carver County CDA [email protected] 952-556-2782 Existing Documents: 1.Carver County CDA website 2.Carver County website Sustainability Impacts:





https://carvercda.org/

http://www.co.carver.mn.us/

28. Eco-Tourism Marketing Plan

Description Victoria and Eastern Carver County have abundant natural resources and opportunities for both visitors and residents to enjoy. From the Carver County Park Preserve to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum there are many attractions that allow visitors and residents to actively explore their natural environment. It would be beneficial to create a marketing plan that ties together all of the various opportunities to revel in the great outdoors.


Question #1: How do the communities in Carver County utilize the natural amenities to leverage eco-tourism?

Question #2: What is the most effective way to market our communities’ recreational/environmental opportunities?

How work will be used: The work completed by the students will be used to plan the implementation of an eco-tourism marketing plan.

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: An eco-tourism marketing plan will promote each of the Eastern Carver County communities and their natural amenities. Tourism of this type will provide an economic ancillary benefit when tourists shop and dine locally. The increased tourism will provide our communities with additional fiscal sustainability.


The City of Victoria has approached stakeholders to help provide input into this project and share the results. Committed:

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Southwest Metro Chamber of Commerce, City of Chaska Approached:

Carver County Parks Cities of Carver and Chanhassen

Project Lead: Ben Landhauser Community Development Director City of Victoria [email protected] 952-443-4218









29. Historic Andrew Peterson Farmstead and the Urban/Rural Edge

Description The Andrew Peterson Farmstead in Lakeland Township, Carver County, Minnesota is historically unique because Andrew Peterson the Swedish immigrant who settled on the land kept a daily diary for forty-three years from 1855 to 1898. Fifty years after his death this diary was utilized by the Swedish novelist, Vilhelm Moberg for his trilogy of novels about Swedish emigrants - The Emigrants (1951), Unto a Good Land (1951), and The Last Letter Home (1961). Two acclaimed movies were later made from these books, The Emigrants (1971) and The New Land (1972). The story of Andrew Peterson has been carefully documented in the book Andrew Peterson and the Scandia Story by Josephine Mihelich (Ford Johnson Graphics 1984) and it is the source for most of the planning and interpretive ideas. As described by Carlton C. Qualey in an article in the MHS Collection, summer 1972, the legacy of Andrew Peterson is that “he not only mastered diversified farming but also became a leading horticulturist of the entire Upper Mississippi River Valley.” The historic farmstead where Andrew Peterson and his family lived and worked was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. In December of 2013, the property owner, Ward Holasek, died willing the farmstead to the Carver County Historical Society. A Concept Master Plan for the historic farmstead is currently being prepared by Thorbeck Architects for the Carver County Historical Society and scheduled to be completed by March 30, 2015. The Concept Master Plan will become the focal point of this Resilient Communities project. The project will explore alternatives and options for future land utilization surrounding the historic farmstead that can become a model for public/private cooperation and collaboration for the public good in response to urban population increase, urban/rural issues, urban agriculture, tourism, and cross border planning and design.


Question #1: How can the land on and surrounding the historic farmstead be preserved and utilized for a Small Farmer Incubation Operation to promote community supported agriculture in urban areas while providing a place that urban people can learn about food and food security in a rapidly changing world impacted by population increase, climate change, and urban/rural issues of human, animal, and environmental wellness?

Question #2: How can the historic farmstead and the surrounding landscape be framed to encourage tourism and visitation from around the world to learn about immigrant history and how America was shaped by immigrants working with other immigrants and the land to create the society we know today?

Question #3: How can a partnership between the historic farmstead, U of MN Arboretum and Horticultural Research Center, and surrounding township and cities in Carver County be nurtured to provide broader educational and research opportunities to help shape the future landscape at the urban/rural edge in the Twin City Metropolitan Region?


Project Lead: Wendy Petersen-Biorn Executive Director Carver County Historical Society [email protected] 952-442-4234 Existing Documents: 1.2008 Area Planning by Prof.

David Pitt, U of MN 2.2015 Concept Master Plan

for the Historic Andrew Peterson Farm.

3. Andrew Peterson and the Scandia Story

4.City and County Comprehensive Plans






29. Historic Andrew Peterson Farmstead and the Urban/Rural Edge - Continued How work will be used: The Andrew Peterson Farmstead is uniquely placed on the urban/rural edge in Carver County providing an opportunity to redefine zoning and land use in cities (Waconia and Victoria), townships (Laketown), and county (Carver) that cross borders to help shape the future landscape benefitting both urban and rural issues and public and private interests for a sustainable future. The work of the students will provide the involved public and private entities an opportunity to utilize speculative ideas and potential design guidelines developed by the students for comprehensive planning at the urban/rural edge in Carver County.

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: Urbanization has been accelerating around the globe causing development to encroach on the countryside, eliminating much of the best farmland surrounding cities. By 2050 there may be another million people in Minnesota, and 60,000 more people will live in Carver County by 2040. The Peterson Farm is situated on land scheduled for annexation into the City of Victoria as a direct result of forecasted growth. Given its location, the farm presents an opportunity to demonstrate to communities how the transition from rural to urban can be managed to maintain the ecosystems that people depend upon. Leveraging and coordinating the economic, social, agricultural, artistic, cultural, and historic opportunities inherent in this unique property both aligns with Mr. Holasek’s vision for the property as a public asset, and connect the past to the present to inform future generations about creating sustainable communities.


The following lists stakeholders who are actively involved in planning and restoration of the Andrew Peterson farm. These stakeholders are willing to provide insight to student projects. As project scopes are developed, specific stakeholders would be more directly connected to the student projects as appropriate:

• U of MN Arboretum- The Peterson farm was one of the original test plots for the Arboretum, for apples. • U of MN Horticultural Center • U of MN Tourism Center • Kate Meurling, American Festival/Amerikaveckan Ydre and Kinda, Sweeden • Three Rivers Park District • Carver County • Waconia Chamber of Commerce • City of Victoria • Laketown Township • Nordic Group • Sons of Norway • Carver County Parks

Project Lead: Wendy Petersen-Biorn Executive Director Carver County Historical Society [email protected] 952-442-4234 Existing Documents: 1.2008 Area Planning by Prof.

David Pitt, U of MN 2.2015 Concept Master Plan

for the Historic Andrew Peterson Farm.

3. Andrew Peterson and the Scandia Story

4.City and County Comprehensive Plans






Effective Administration

30. Measure Innovation 31. Victoria Firefighter Recruitment/Retention and Staffing Model Study 32. Implementation of GIS Tools 33. Field Turf Maintenance Practices 34. County Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program Evaluation

30. Measure Innovation

Description In 2012, Carver County held its first LEAN/Kaizen event. Since that time, the County has held 28 Kaizen events, 5 other continuous improvement events with 168 unique county participants. To date, 89% of team action plan items have been complete. The great success of the events has led to more investment in innovation. In December, 2014, Carver County drafted its first strategic plan for innovation. Examples of events include arrest prisoner transport, internal contract review, child assistance processing, employee status change process, and vendor claims processing. While the County hears positive remarks and observes improvements anecdotally, the County does not have measures in place to statistically evaluate the success of the investment. The County is looking for the University to assist with establishing a framework to assist. This project could include surveys, tools to measure time and/or financial savings, and identification of broad measures that detect improvements in customer service. The County understands that this overall initiative may be too broad and big and that we may need to look at particular events vs. the program as a whole.

Questions to address: Question #1: How can Carver County measure the impacts of innovation?

Question #2: What are the best tools to evaluate the innovation program?

How work will be used: The work produced by students will be used as the framework to measure the success of innovation efforts in the County. These measures will help County leaders to evaluate the program and determine future resources that are needed.

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: This project has an economic and social impact to the County. As the county becomes more efficient with the resources that it has, it provides a better value to the community. In addition, as County becomes more innovative it can improve interactions with residents and produce greater results for taxpayers.

Project Lead: Nick Koktavy Project and Communications Manager Carver County Administrative Services [email protected] 952-361-1797

Existing Documents: 1. Strategic Plan for Innovation,

December, 2014 Sustainability Impacts:





31. Victoria Firefighter Recruitment/Retention and Staffing Model Study Description The City of Victoria currently has 28 paid per call volunteer firefighters. The City is seeing significant development with the construction of 106 new single-family homes a 2014 alone. Development is expected to continue with more than 300 lots platted in 2014. Despite the growing population, the City has not seen an increase the number of firefighters in the past three years. The City would like to review its staffing model as well as its recruitment and retention methods for Fire Department. The City’s Fire Department does not have any full time staff members, all of the current 28 volunteers are paid-on-call firefighters. The goals of this project include: 1) Assessing the current staffing model and making a recommendation for the most effective and efficient staffing model, and 2) Evaluating the current recruitment strategy to seek new and alternative methods of recruitment.

Questions to address: Question #1: Is the current staffing model for the fire department the most appropriate for our City?

Question #2: b. What is the most successful method for the recruitment and retention of firefighters?

How work will be used: Students work will provide background on how to approach recruitment and best practices on retaining firefighters. Information on staffing models will assist the City in deciding on how to staff the Fire Department.

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: Firefighting services are a crucial component to a sustainable community. Firefighting is a major core component to our City’s essential services. Firefighters provide a combination of firefighting skills and first responder services with an increasing number of calls for car accidents and medical emergencies. The fire department helps maintain a safe and resilient community. The City of Victoria will greatly benefit from an investigation of our methods for staffing, recruiting and retaining fire department personnel. Additionally other Carver County communities may also benefit from this project as other communities struggle with similar issues.








Project Lead: Jessica Beise Executive Assistant City of Victoria [email protected] 952-443-4215


















32. Implementation of GIS Tools Description The City of Watertown has recently reengaged with Carver County to partner for GIS services and access to ESRI software. The City operates with a lean staff who spends much of their time outside a typical office setting without easy access to classic technology tools such as desktop computers or lap tops. The City’s model is to continue to maintain low levels of staffing but equip them with technology and equipment that helps them operate efficiently in the completion of their work. With the access to City infrastructure data via GIS and the partnership with the County Watertown would like to study and understand the technology tools available in the market and how they have been implemented effectively in the field.

Questions to address: Question #1: What mobile or handheld devices or apps exist within the market for use in municipal maintenance

operations?

Question #2: How have other municipalities implemented field technology tools successfully with their maintenance line staff?

Question #3: How would Watertown measure the benefit or effectiveness of these tools in the field? What type of metrics can be built around implementation?

How work will be used: The City of Watertown is interested in identifying technology tools that will improve communication, effectiveness, and efficiency in its deployment of staff, thus containing costs and tax impact that staffing can have on an organization. The City recognizes great potential for GIS to inform infrastructure management and maintenance. Student work will inform the City of best practices to more fully integrate GIS technology into staff functions to accomplish these goals.

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: Inline with recent City reengagement with Carver County GIS services, maximizing deployment of the technology into the field is a key strategic objective. Project outcomes will be used to begin to evaluate and budget for acquisition and deployment of GIS technology tools. The City views improved technology as a means to attract qualified and skilled employees. By attracting skilled employees, and more effectively managing City infrastructure Watertown will be more prepared to maximize its investments and understand environmental impacts of growth as its population grows from 4,200 in 2014 to 6,700 people by 2040.

Stakeholders and partners: Pete Henschel, GIS Supervisor, Carver County GIS Department: Carver County contracts GIS services to interested Cities within the County. Pete can inform students about other City-County GIS partnerships and deployment methods used.

Project Lead: Shane Fineran City Administrator City of Watertown [email protected] 952-955-2681 Existing Documents: 1. City/County ESRI Multi-Jurisdictional Agreement 2. County GIS Database Sustainability Impacts:





33. Field Turf Maintenance Practices Description The City of Watertown recently added two new soccer fields and turf green space at two parks to the acres within our parks and field system. The added acreage has put staff under greater pressure for maintenance needs and equipment upgrades to meet community expectations for quality recreational surfaces and playability. The City would like to develop a turf maintenance and management plan that is environmentally friendly, maximizes staff maintenance time, and maintains high quality play surfaces.


Question #1: What are the best practices for maintenance, reseeding, watering, and fertilizing of active playing fields while reducing environmental impact?

Question #2: What strategies exist regarding usage and deployment of fertilizer products to maximize cost effectiveness and minimize adverse environmental impacts?

How work will be used: Practices and strategies identified will be implemented by our maintenance staff in their field and turf care practices. In addition, outcomes of the study can be shared with other Parks Departments within Carver County to improve their practices as well.

Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: The City of Watertown’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan sets goals to protect natural resources, and the City’s Community Park Master Plan identifies strategies to further develop and acquire park areas as the population increases. By implementing best turf maintenance practices, the City is in a better position to meet the needs of a growing population while minimizing adverse impacts to the environment. Additionally, this project has positive economic impacts because the City can improve the health and playability of our turf field areas while reducing or maintaining current budget impacts, and minimizing runoff contamination.

Stakeholders and partners: Paul Moline, Manager, Carver County Planning & Water Management: The Carver County Water Management Organization (CCWMO) works to protect the County’s water resources. CCWMO has conducted a number of demonstration projects on playing fields to decrease runoff and capture rainwater for irrigation.

Project Lead: Shane Fineran City Administrator City of Watertown [email protected] 952-955-2681 Existing Documents: 1. City of Watertown 2030

Comprehensive Plan 2. Watertown Community

Park Master Plan Sustainability Impacts:







http://www.ci.watertown.mn.us/documents/Parks/Community-Park-Master-Plan-FINAL.pdf

http://www.ci.watertown.mn.us/documents/Parks/Community-Park-Master-Plan-FINAL.pdf

34. County Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program Evaluation

Description The Carver County Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program consists of an education program and an inspection program. Since 2012, the Carver County Parks Department has administered the county-wide AIS watercraft inspection program. This program aims to stop the spread of AIS by providing inspection services at nine watercraft access points county-wide. In 2015, the overall program budget is $290,000; the majority will be utilized to enhance the inspection program by including additional watercraft access points staffed by up to 40 watercraft inspectors from early May through the end of September. Also, since 2012, Carver County has included an education program to increase citizen awareness about AIS (zebra mussel, spiny water flea, curly leaf pondweed, Eurasian water milfoil), encourage self-inspections of boats when entering and leaving a water body, and encourage compliance with DNR AIS laws and regulations. AIS education programs can prevent the spread of AIS by increasing awareness and educating citizens about proper prevention behaviors. To date, there has been little evaluation of AIS programs; particularly in determining the changes in attitudes and behaviors of users.

Questions to address: Question #1: What are the best methods to evaluate the County’s AIS program? In particular, the change in attitudes

by anglers, users of watercraft for sporting recreation, and lakeshore/dock owners?

Question #2: How have the attitudes and behaviors towards AIS prevention been changed as the program is implemented?

Question #3: How can the information garnered from evaluation be used to enhance specific aspects of the AIS inspection and education programs?

How work will be used: The County’s AIS program continues to evolve as coordination with multiple local partners increases, as does greater funding from local sources and the MN State allocation. Results of the student work will directly benefit program planning in 2016-17, and beyond. Since a considerable amount of funding is allocated to lake access inspection, and education of users any information regarding current attitudes can be immediately used to shape the coming year’s program including the methods of education, the information presented at lake access points, the location and types of inspections needed, and the missing components or audiences of the program. Guidance best practices to use for future and ongoing evaluation will help County staff determine how to properly allocate resources towards program evaluation. The work will be useful not only to Carver County, but to adjacent local entities delivering their own programs, and to other counties statewide (all of whom are receiving State funding for AIS programs).


Project Lead: Madeline Seveland Education Coordinator Carver County Planning & Water Management [email protected] 952-361-1825 Existing Documents: 1.Carver County Water

Management Organization Management Plan (and education plan)

2.Carver County AIS 2015 Program

3.Carver County AIS Awareness Campaign










http://www.co.carver.mn.us/departments/LWS/ais.asp


34. County Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program Evaluation - Continued Specific sustainability or resilience impacts: The overall purpose of the County’s AIS program is to protect and preserve its water resources for all current and future users. The threat and potential impact of AIS on area lakes and streams could cause major disruption to fisheries, active and passive users, and the tourism economy. Since funding resources are ultimately limited, the County aims to continuously improve its AIS program to meet the overall goal of protection as efficiently as possible. Understanding the best methods to achieve this efficiency will inform future program delivery for the County and others.


Marty Walsh, Carver County Parks Director Carver County Parks currently manages the AIS inspection Program. Marty will serve as a stakeholder to this project by providing insight from the parks/lake access perspective, and will assist students in gathering information at inspection points Paul Moline, CCWMO Manager Paul manages the Carver County Water Management Organization and will assist students with understanding the WMO’s perspective and programs related to AIS.

Project Lead: Madeline Seveland Education Coordinator Carver County Planning & Water Management [email protected] 952-361-1825 Existing Documents: 1.Carver County Water

Management Organization Management Plan (and education plan)

2.Carver County AIS 2015 Program

3.Carver County AIS Awareness Campaign












Demonstration of Support

“Carver County is taking an innovative approach

to this project by engaging multiple communities

in an effort to maintain a sustainable county… the

projects listed in the Resilient Communities

Program application may be applicable or provide

a useful model for future City projects or

initiatives.”

- Mayor Tom O’ Connor, City of Victoria

Carver County Water Management Organization

Planning and Water Mgmt Dept

Government Center – Administration Building

600 East 4th Street

Chaska, Minnesota 55318

Phone: (952)361·1820

Fax: (952)361·1828

www.co.carver.mn.us/water

February 12, 2015 Resilient Communities Project Attn: Mike Greco, Program Manager University of Minnesota 330 Hubert H. Humphrey Center 301 19th Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55455 RE: Carver County Proposal for 2015-2016 Resilient Communities Project RFP Resilient Communities Project Staff, The Carver County WMO is pleased to support Carver County’s proposal to the University of Minnesota’s Resilient Communities Project 2015-2016 academic year RFP. The WMO is excited by the promise of this collaborative proposal to impact a variety of communities and organizations providing critical services in Carver County. The WMO is committed to leading two student projects and supporting three others in this proposal. Students working on WMO led projects will help to advance work that is at the leading edge of the water management field. Student work will help the WMO understand methods of influencing attitudes towards water conservation in Waconia, develop concepts for a whitewater park in Watertown, analyze stormwater reuse applications for safety and effectiveness, and measure successes and identify improvements to aquatic invasive species prevention programs. This work pushes the WMO’s goals forward, explores new and innovative practices, and contributes to the WMO’s established position as a leader in water management practices for Carver County’s citizens. Carver County enthusiastically supports Carver County’s proposal and eagerly awaits the high quality assistance that Resilient Communities Project students have displayed in previous partnerships. Without question the impacts of RCP will contribute to the WMO’s work for years to come. Sincerely, Paul Moline, AICP Carver County Planning & Water Management

http://www.co.carver.mn.us/water