Sustainable Pennsylvania

Municipal Certification Project

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Easton City

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Municipal Website
Population:28,127
Key Action:
Current Assessment:
Gold
Assessment History:

Stormwater and Flooding

Question:
A water infrastructure capital assessment has been completed and an improvement plan developed with a budget to ensure that investments are being made to water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure systems to keep pace with maintenance and operations to improve water quality, and green infrastructure strategies are prioritized over grey.
Answer:
A. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
https://www.pahouse.com/Freeman/InTheNews/NewsRelease/?id=132490. https://www.easton-pa.com/273/Stormwater-Management Easton Suburban Water Authority manages our water systems and recently announced a multi-million dollar upgrade plan. The city is constantly upgrading and updating systems to meet MS4 standards and increase MS4 points. Easton does have a PRP Updated plan but is not publicly available is over 30MB, making it impossible to upload due to file size restrictions.
Question:
The municipality requires, incentivizes, or promotes green infrastructure techniques or "enhanced stormwater management" to mitigate runoff from onsite stormwater, such as pervious pavement, bioswales, and/or green roofs. Select all that apply.
Answer:
B. The municipality promotes green infrastructure through incentives, design guidelines, and/or support for educational programs/workshops.
Notes:
We have begun using bioswales in our largest city center and the Sustainability Coordinator has begun to develop educational material on green infrastructure promoting stormwater management.
Question:
Construction in flood zones is strictly controlled and limited. Select all that apply.
Answer:
B. No new building is permitted in an area deemed an "AE Flood Zone" and any redevelopment must be built to meet or exceed the Flood Resistant Provisions of the 2015 (or newer) International Codes. (documentation required)
Notes:
https://ecode360.com/28929379#28929380 Easton does not allow for construction of any building or development within the City's identified floodplain areas unless a permit exception has been made. This is based on combining the FH Overlay District and FIRM map from FEMA and using the most current version of each.
Question:
The municipality is working collaboratively with neighboring municipalities and community groups. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The community collaborates with other municipalities and authorities in their watershed to manage source water, treatment and distribution, sewage, and stormwater. - B. The municipality collaborates with (or has recruited/fostered) a watershed group or organization to protect and improve the wetlands and waterways located in the community's watersheds.
Notes:

Public Engagement

Question:
The municipality communicates regularly with the public about public meetings, municipal news, and other important information. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality has up-to-date council meeting schedules, agendas, and minutes posted online. - B. The municipality broadcasts public meetings on an online platform (Zoom, Facebook, Youtube, Vimeo, etc.) and has links to recorded public meetings on their municipal website. - C. Municipality communicates with the public via a regularly scheduled newsletter or regularly updated and dated web-based news postings. - D. Municipality regularly communicates via Facebook and/or Twitter or a specifically designed civic engagement app like Civic Plus or Nextdoor.
Notes:
Question:
A program exists to actively pursue and match residents and local businesses to volunteer opportunities, including board, committee, and commission positions, and others that will strengthen community engagement and improve capacity for community organizations. This must include an online portal where potential volunteers can enter their information.
Answer:
A. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
EAC, Volunteer committee members consisting of 7 seated members and 2 alternates. https://www.easton-pa.com/330/Environmental-Advisory-Council. The EAC utilizes volunteers and coordinates public events for all to help via their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/eastoneac/. We also use a Mailchimp account to keep contact with volunteers, inform them of events, and help partner them with other volunteer opportunities and businesses.
Question:
Municipality works with schools and/or local nonprofits/community organizations to engage students about community issues such as waste reduction and recycling, public safety, wellness, conservation, nature, etc.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:
Question:
Municipal-sponsored events (Community Day, Light Up the Night, parades, etc.) have a sustainability-awareness component, i.e. have activities, displays, or a booth helping to explain measures attendees can take to improve their sustainability or to illustrate what the municipality is doing to improve community sustainability.
Answer:
A. 3 or more events annually
Notes:
We have an annual Arbor Fest, Hazelnut Fest, and bi-annual educational workshops with the Conservation Manager. All of these events now include messaging and information about sustainability.

Finances

Question:
The municipality utilizes the following best practices for creating, managing, and publicizing the municipal budget. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. There is an annual revenue-expenditure trend analysis conducted including 4 previous years. (documentation required) - B. The revenue-expenditure analysis projects the budget out for the next 3 years. (documentation required) - C. Funds equivalent to a minimum of 2 months worth of expenditures or revenue are carried over year to year. - D. When the final budget is advertised it includes working documents to help the public to better prepare themselves to comment on and/or support the final budget.
Notes:
https://www.easton-pa.com/DocumentCenter/View/1278/2024-Strategic-Management-Planning-Program-Proposal-RFP https://www.easton-pa.com/Archive.aspx?AMID=36 https://www.easton-pa.com/Archive.aspx?AMID=37
Question:
The municipality has financially assessed obligations for pensions, labor contract proposals for their duration, and other post-employment benefits.
Answer:
A. Obligations for pensions/other post-employment benefits are funded for the long-term to at least 80%. (documentation required) - B. The municipality financially assesses each labor contract proposal for the contract's duration looking specifically at how the overall costs will affect the community's budget (looking at pensions, leave, healthcare, salaries, etc.).
Notes:
https://ecode360.com/9641038

Regional Cooperation

Question:
Municipality is an active participant in a Council of Governments and regularly attends functions, participates in projects, and pays dues.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:
Question:
The municipality utilizes written Intergovernmental Cooperative Agreements (ICA) to engage in multi-municipal endeavors. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality has at least one written intergovernmental cooperation (ICA) agreement (updated in the last 15 years). (documentation required) - B. The ICA included a written process for conflict resolution. (documentation required)
Notes:
https://www.easton-pa.com/DocumentCenter/View/1174/RESO-Authorizing-Agreement-for-Winter-Traffic-Services-with-PennDOT
Question:
The municipality and local public schools cooperate to share facilities and other resources. For example, the municipality assists with the cost of evening lifeguards for community use or the provision of crossing guards.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:
Question:
Municipal planning is coordinated with the school district and the two meet together at least once per year.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:

Equitable Policies and Practices

Question:
Develop a diversity, equity and inclusion vision and plan for the municipality. Required for Silver, Gold, and Platinum
Answer:
B. The municipality has adopted a broad and inclusive definition of workforce diversity within the hiring policy. Required for Silver, Gold and Platinum. (documentation required) - A. The municipality has developed a diversity and inclusion vision for the municipality. Required for Gold, and Platinum. (documentation required) - C. The municipality has developed a strategy or plan to achieve the diversity and inclusion vision. Required for Gold and Platinum. (documentation required)
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has taken or regularly takes the following actions to ensure it is improving organizational diversity, equity and inclusion. Some of these steps could be included as part of vision, strategy, or plan development. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality has a written policy to ensure a wide range of candidates are sought, encouraged to apply, and interviewed for all job openings. Required for Silver, Gold, and Platinum. (documentation required) - D. The municipality has written job descriptions for every position and clear employment policies that have been reviewed by a solicitor or qualified labor attorney.
Notes:
https://www.easton-pa.com/288/Human-Resources
Question:
The municipality has held the following trainings (or had municipal officials attend) on state and federal laws within the last three years. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. Equal opportunity employment - B. Sexual Harassment - C. Americans with Disabilities Act - E. Other (PHRC Trainings, etc)
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has participated in PML's Race Equity And Leadership (REAL) program, the Pennsylvania Heart and Soul program, or a similar program.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has implemented policies to improve the creation of public policy that is equitable and to improve access to the political processes. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality publicizes efforts to make accessible and equitable infrastructure improvements.
Notes:

Operations Materials Management

Question:
All municipal buildings have an active recycling program. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. There is a active recycling program for all municipal operations. - C. The program includes informational signage at waste/recycling receptacles. - D. There is regular internal communications and training supporting the program and reminding employees.
Notes:
Question:
In which of the following ways does the municipality track its internal or operational waste? Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. We collect waste data from our hauler(s).
Notes:

Community Wide Materials Management

Question:
What community-wide waste and recycling data does your municipality collect on an annual basis? Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options. (documentation required)
Answer:
A. Residential Collection - total waste sent to landfill or incinerator - B. Residential Collection - total recycling sent to Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) or equivalent - C. Residential Collection - total yard waste collected for composting - E. Commercial Collection - total waste sent to landfill or incinerator - F. Commercial Collection - total recycling collected - H. Residential recycling quality or contamination (what percentage of recyclable material sent to MRF is diverted to landfill/incinerator) - I. Residential recycling material quantities by type (i.e. mixed fibers, plastic #1, glass, etc...) - J. Commercial recycling material quantities by type (i.e. mixed fibers, plastic #1, glass, etc...) - D. Residential Collection - total food waste collected for composting - G. Commercial Collection - total food collected for composting
Notes:
Question:
The municipality contracts for residential solid waste and recycling collection as opposed to individual home owners contracting for the same.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:
Question:
The municipality collects or contracts for recycling collection at the curb.
Answer:
A. Yes, Required for Gold and Platinum.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality collects the following types of recyclable materials at the curb. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. Aluminum - C. MIxed fibers (paper or cardboard) - D. Glass - E. Plastics HDPE and PETE (#'s 1 and 2) - F. Plastics - Mixed Plastics (#'s 3 thru 7 - please check this if you collect any of these)
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has a recycling program that includes the following: Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. updated information on the website or in newsletters about recycling, guidelines for what is accepted, and recommendations for reducing, reusing, and repairing. - C. The municipality provides free or very low cost recycling bins to improve the quality of the recycling stream.
Notes:
https://www.easton-pa.com/281/Curbside-Recycling#:~:text=The%20City%20of%20Easton%20provides,%2410%20at%20Easton%20City%20Hall. https://www.easton-pa.com/286/Recycling-Drop-Off-Center
Question:
The municipality has worked with their MRF or hauler to create an incentive structure tied to specific performance outcomes designed to improve the quality of the material sent to MRF and to lower the volume of material sent to the landfill or incinerator.
Answer:
A. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
https://easton-pa.com/279/Trash-Recycling Our guidance specifically notates the importance of quality over quantity and we encourage and reward residents for reducing high quality recyclable materials and place less focus and allowance for lower quality items.
Question:
The municipality has a waste reduction ordinance for commercial and institutional facilities requiring they recycle at least 5 materials types, including but not limited to: mixed fiber (paper), glass, aluminum, steel, cardboard, #'s 1 and 2 plastics.
Answer:
A. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
https://ecode360.com/9645188#9645208. Code calls for recycling of "clear glass, colored glass, aluminum, tin, steel and bimetallic cans, high-grade office paper, mixed paper, newsprint, corrugated paper and plastic food and beverage containers" and "yard waste". Commercial and institutional establishments are required to report annual documentation of tons recycled.
Question:
The municipality supports or provides composting.
Answer:
A. The municipality provides curbside brush and leaves collection for at least 10 weeks in the fall. - C. Promotes education on backyard composting and reducing food waste.
Notes:
Question:
Municipality has an active litter prevention program.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:

Resiliency Planning

Question:
The municipality has created a flood response plan as a part of their emergency response plan. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality has a flood evacuation plan. (documentation required) - B. All municipal staff and volunteers have been trained on the details of the flood evacuation/response plan.
Notes:
https://nurturenaturecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Easton-Vulnerability-Assessment-FINAL-FINAL-_Revised9.27.pdf. The municipality has a flood evacuation plan for the Public Works Office and City Hall but does not have a flood evacuation plan for the public.
Question:
The community has identified vulnerable populations in the community to prepare for emergencies and created a registry to check in on those citizens in the case of an emergency. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The community has identified at risk or vulnerable populations.
Notes:
Question:
The community has conducted emergency communications planning and/or has adopted a reverse 911 system. This can be part of disaster preparedness process. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. Yes the community has conducted emergency communications planning. - B. The community uses a reverse 911 system.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has done a resiliency assessment and has created a resilience plan. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality has performed or has participated in a regional assessment of hazards and potential risks of climate change. (documentation required) - B. The municipality has created a resiliency plan either as part of a climate action, comprehensive, or ecodistrict plan, or as a stand alone document. (documentation required) - C. The plan includes a set of implementable actions including listing those responsible for taking actions to mitigate or adapt to the vulnerabilities found in the resiliency assessment. - D. The plan indicates who is responsible for implementing each of the actions.
Notes:
The Easton Climate Action Plan created by the Nurture Nature Center includes resiliency steps and guidance and provides implementable actions for Easton to take while assigning role responsibility to each action. https://nurturenaturecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Easton-Vulnerability-Assessment-FINAL-FINAL-_Revised9.27.pdf The Nurture Nature Center conducted a Vulnerability Assessment for the City of Easton in 2018. https://nurturenaturecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Easton-Vulnerability-Assessment-FINAL-FINAL-_Revised9.27.pdf The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission - the regional planning commission - also has Priority Climate Action Plan which Easton is a part of. They have also conducted risk analysis. https://lvpc.org/climate-action. The City Council also adopted the Lehigh Valley 2024 Mitigation Plan as the official hazard mitigation plan of the city. https://easton-pa.com/DocumentCenter/View/1366/RESO-Adopting-the-Lehigh-Valley-2024-Mitigation-Plan-as-the-official-City-Mitigation-Plan-of-the-City-of-Easton-Pa.
Question:
The community has created and trained a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) or a similar group of citizens to assist in the event of a disaster. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The community has created a CERT or similar volunteer response team (beyond what the Volunteer Fire or EMS team does) to assist in the event of a disaster.
Notes:

Sustainability Program

Question:
The municipality has passed a resolution to affirm (or reaffirm) participation in the Sustainable Pennsylvania Community Certification Program. Required for Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
Answer:
A. Yes. Required for Silver, Gold, and Platinum. (documentation required)
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has a sustainability program. Required for Gold and Platinum. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality has a sustainability program that includes specific goals and guiding principles. This could be an ecodistrict or climate action plan but must include provisions for equity. Required for Gold and Platinum. (documentation required) - B. An executive/management-level municipal staff person has responsibility for management of the municipal sustainability program expressly included in their job description. (documentation required) - C. The goals of the sustainability program are aligned with the goals of the community's comprehensive plan. - D. There is ongoing training for municipal employees and officials with the goal of advancing the objectives of the municipal sustainability program.
Notes:
https://nurturenaturecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/EastonCAPDraft_revision2024_final.pdf. Nurture Nature Plan wrote the Climate Action Plan, with a revision occurring in 2024 and having passed through City Council shortly after. The City has hired their first Sustainability Coordinator (and first ever-sustainability focused employee), Brandon Sullivan, to support the City's CAP and sustainability goals.
Question:
The community has an active sustainability team, an Environmental Advisory Council (EAC), or comparable body that has at least one board member, one staff member, and one resident who is responsible for advising and/or creating policy and conducting outreach related to all three aspects of sustainability: Environment, Equity, and Economy. Required for Silver, Gold and Platinum.
Answer:
A. The municipality has an active sustainability team, EAC, or comparable committee that has incorporated all three aspects of sustainability. Required for Silver, Gold, and Platinum. (documentation required)
Notes:
https://www.easton-pa.com/330/Environmental-Advisory-Council https://ecode360.com/12227613
Question:
The sustainability team has goals, and reports annually to the public on its progress towards achieving those goals. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The sustainability team has specific goals.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality participates in an ecodistrict process for one or all of its neighborhoods. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality has or is actively convening or participating in the convening of community partners exploring the potential of creating an ecodistrict within the community.
Notes:
Question:
There is ongoing professional development for municipal personnel and officials that includes participating in programs with (at a minimum of once per year) Pennsylvania Municipal League, Local Government Academy, PA DCED or other Pennsylvania municipal training association programs.
Answer:
A. Yes, professional development has occured at a minimum of once per year for all or most staff and/or elected officials.
Notes:

Health and Wellness

Question:
The municipality supports local food access by assessing access, planning, and/or supporting programs or policies that increase local food access. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
B. The community has a plan for improving access to healthy foods (this could be a part of another community plan) or supports a local organization that does. (documentation required) - C. The municipality supports educational programs for residents on the benefits of organic and locally purchased food. - D. The municipality supports local farmers markets or food stands in the community. - F. The municipality hosts and/or supports a community produce garden that is open to the public. - G. The municipality supports and/or promotes meal programs for vulnerable populations.
Notes:
Blue Zones! https://bluezonesprojectlehighvalley.com/. https://www.bluezones.com/activate-easton/. https://www.facebook.com/BlueZonesActivateEaston/?_rdc=1&_rdr#. https://westwardmarket.com/. https://eastonfarmersmarket.com/. Blue Zones works with the City of Easton to improve the everyday health and well-being of our community. Run by Todd Numera, the Activate Program specifically focuses on connecting residents with healthy lifestyle choices and healthy foods, including tracking resident food choices and suggesting more natural and sustainable options such as the West Ward Farmers Market and Easton Farmers Market. Easton directly supports and advertises both the West Ward and Easton Farmer Markets through social media. The Sustainability Coordinator has begun attending the West Ward Market with educational programming and activities and will be doing so in the Easton Farmers Market in the future. As for community gardens, we support three: West Ward Community Gardens, Easton Urban Farm, and the Easton Garden Works at Lower Hackett Park. https://westwardeaston.org/intro-to-our-6-community-gardens/. https://www.eastonareaneighborhoodcenter.org/easton-urban-farm. https://westwardeaston.org/gardens/.
Question:
Improving community health and wellness are specifically mentioned as a goal or issue in the municipality's comprehensive plan.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:
Question:
The municipality considers and promotes health and wellness. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality provides access to recreational opportunities and amenities to promote active and healthy lifestyles (this can include ecotourism, river/creek access for fishing, hiking and walking trails with programming, etc.). - D. A program to promote safe walking to school is in place (including trails in suburban and rural communities).
Notes:
Question:
The municipality enforces policies to improve air quality and limit resident exposure to sources of poor air quality. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. A burn ban has been formally adopted and made part of municipal ordinance, and State or County outdoor wood-fired boiler construction and operation is in accordance with state law. - B. The municipality enforces the state's anti-idling law, including posting signs in high-traffic areas and near vulnerable populations (schools, nursing homes, outdoor event areas, etc.) - C. The municipality provides informational pamphlets to locations with signage and/or hands them directly to violators.
Notes:

Water Conservation

Question:
The municipal water, sewer authority, and/or water supplier has created and adopted a pricing structure designed to conserve water usage, where the price per unit increases with volume of water consumed or conveyed. (no volume discounts)
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:
Question:
The municipality or municipal authority supports or promotes a program for residents, institutions, and/or businesses to conserve water.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:

Water Planning and Protection

Question:
The comprehensive plan (or separate water-specific plans that are currently in use - such as a One Water plan or a flood mitigation plan) includes recommendations for: Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. encouraging low impact development or enhanced stormwater management techniques to manage stormwater runoff and onsite stormwater infiltration where geologically effective. - B. protecting and preserving wetlands, waterways/riparian buffers. - D. protecting homes and properties where vulnerable populations are at significant risk of flooding.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has an up-to-date official map for land or water bodies that the municipality intends to restore, preserve, and protect. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality has an up-to-date official map to protect future land uses such as open space, trails, and/or parks. (documentation required)
Notes:
https://www.easton-pa.com/DocumentCenter/View/289/Map-of-City-Parks-PDF https://www.easton-pa.com/417/Parks-Trails The Sustainability Coordinator will also be creating a map to identify wetlands, riparian buffers, and/or waterways. Our maps are used to properly identify and ensure proper care, borders, and preservation of our parks, etc.
Question:
The municipality is actively working to restore wetlands and riparian areas, expand or revise current minimum riparian buffer zones, and/or implement living shoreline programs to provide natural flood abatement, breeding habitat, and improved stream conditions.
Answer:
A. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
We are currently working to control invasive plants along our most public-facing river corridor's (along the Delaware River to start). This project is in the early stages but emails can be provided showing confirmed meetups and plans with the Northampton County Conservation District. We are becoming one of the few cities directly addressing Japanese knotweed and hope to become a leader in their control.
Question:
The municipality has developed and implemented a Stormwater Management Plan of Best Management Practices including all 6 minimum control measures, including Public Education and Outreach, Public Participation, Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination, Construction Site Runoff Control, Post Construction Runoff Control, and Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping, to meet the MS4 requirements.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:

Planning and Zoning

Question:
The municipality regularly updates and effectively uses their comprehensive land use plan as a community engagement process and a guiding document. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The comprehensive plan had a process for significant stakeholder engagement and included a plan with specific steps for reaching vulnerable and/or marginalized community members. (documentation required) - B. The comp plan includes implementable steps with specific timelines - C. The comp plan includes instructions for who is responsible for the implementable steps. - D. The comp plan includes mechanisms or guidelines for reporting progress towards those steps to the public and/or for making adjustments. - E. The municipal comprehensive plan is multi municipal.
Notes:
https://www.easton-pa.com/DocumentCenter/View/117/Comprehensive-Plan---Adopted-PDF. The process for significant stakeholder engagement and included a plan with specific steps for reaching vulnerable and/or marginalized community members is described in the introduction and starts on page 9. Further described on page 21.
Question:
The municipality has up-to-date zoning and related ordinances that reflect the objectives of the comprehensive plan. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipal zoning ordinance was amended to achieve the goals of the most recent comp plan (flexibility will be granted where the comp plan was passed less than 24 months prior). - B. The municipality has an up-to-date subdivision and land development ordinance (SALDO) that reflects the objectives of the comprehensive plan. - C. The municipality has passed other ordinances or policies to support or incentivize the objectives of the comprehensive plan.
Notes:
Question:
Two or more of the municipality's planning officials (planning commission members, planning department staff, code officials) have attended trainings on the following land use topics. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
D. Complete streets or accessible transportation systems (documentation required) - E. Other sustainability related trainings (documentation required)
Notes:
Dwayne Tillman reported completing both options D and E with another coworker but was not given a certification upon completion.

Equitable Housing

Question:
An assessment has been completed analyzing the need for affordable/equitable housing in the community and region. It can be a part of the community's comprehensive planning process or completed by a community organization with municipal support. It is important that the assessment considers the region as a whole, because many communities have been segregated from the issues of the region they exist within. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality has created or supported the creation of an affordable/equitable housing assessment. (documentation required)
Notes:
https://www.easton-pa.com/DocumentCenter/View/476/Easton-Affordable-Housing-Task-Force-Report---March-2022-PDF https://www.easton-pa.com/DocumentCenter/View/477/Easton-Affordable-Housing-Task-Force-presentation-to-City-Council---March-2022-PDF https://www.easton-pa.com/343/Redevelopment-Authority. Our RDA is largely in charge of affordable housing.
Question:
The municipality has a plan to improve access to affordable/equitable residential housing. The plan can be a part of the community's comprehensive plan or could be created by a community organization with municipal support. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. A plan has been created for how to close the needs gap for affordable/equitable residential housing. (documentation required) - B. The plan includes specific recommendations with timelines for how to achieve the goals of the plan. - C. The community periodically reports to the public on the progress of the plan toward providing access to affordable housing.
Notes:
https://www.easton-pa.com/DocumentCenter/View/476/Easton-Affordable-Housing-Task-Force-Report---March-2022-PDF https://www.easton-pa.com/DocumentCenter/View/477/Easton-Affordable-Housing-Task-Force-presentation-to-City-Council---March-2022-PDF
Question:
The zoning ordinance provides for or accommodates a full range of housing opportunities.
Answer:
A. The municipality allows for more than 6 different types of housing (see the "more info" button for acceptable types). (documentation required)
Notes:
https://ecode360.com/36577640#36577641. We have 9 unique housing types defined and allowed in our code. Single-family and two-family dwellings are combined in our code.
Question:
The municipality has inclusionary housing incentives/requirements for housing developments or support for affordable housing. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
C. The municipality provides support for or promotes local programs for affordable housing. (documentation required) - D. The municipality supports or promotes a program to facilitate home ownership within the community; homebuyer incentives, employer assisted housing, community land trust, etc. (documentation required)
Notes:
https://www.easton-pa.com/343/Redevelopment-Authority https://www.easton-pa.com/DocumentCenter/View/476/Easton-Affordable-Housing-Task-Force-Report---March-2022-PDF https://www.easton-pa.com/348/Easton-Affordable-Housing-Task-Force-202 https://www.easton-pa.com/182/ARPA-Updates-Recipient-Resources#:~:text=This%20involves%20the%20activation%20of,to%20the%20Pine%20Street%20Garage. While Easton does not have mandatory or incentivized inclusionary housing requirements, the RDA and Affordable Housing Task Force works with the Residential Facade Improvement Program to acquire ARPA funding. 2022 also marked the expansion of the summer employment program.

Human Scale Development

Question:
The comprehensive plan encourages walkable/mixed use development. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The plan calls for retail, offices, commercial services, housing, and civic uses to exist in same district. - B. The plan calls for publicly accessible areas within walkable/mixed use neighborhoods. - C. The plan calls for compact housing and street design to encourage access to all amenities in those districts.
Notes:
Question:
The zoning and SALDO ordinances promote walkable, mixed use development. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The zoning ordinance, SALDO, or district overlays have districts that permit retail, officies, commercial services, housing, and civic uses in the same district. (documentation required) - B. The community's land use ordinances encourage compact design to ensure that the distances between amenities and services are accessible by pedestrians. - D. The land use ordinances encourage other principles of mixed use/walkable neighborhoods. - C. Storefront requirements, signage, and street design are oriented towards the pedestrian. - E. The zoning ordinance incorporates form-based zoning to encourage walkable human scale growth. (documentation required)
Notes:
https://ecode360.com/9645973#9645973. https://ecode360.com/9647638. We offer form-based zoning focused on physical forms of buildings rather than land use. Our zoning allows us to best support environmental and pedestrian growth, including walkable human scale growth.
Question:
Zoning and/or SALDO ordinances have been updated to reduce parking requirements, establish a parking maximum, or to eliminate parking requirements altogether, where transit is available.
Answer:
A. There are areas within the community with reduced parking minimums for developers. (documentation required)
Notes:
https://ecode360.com/9647326. We offer reduced parking minimums.
Question:
The municipality is focused on maintaining, improving, or redeveloping areas as opposed to opening up new land for development and this is reflected in community planning documents and ordinances. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipal comp plan calls for limiting the expansion of land development to specific areas while protecting undeveloped land. - B. The zoning and SALDO ordinances do not allow for building new developments on undeveloped land, or have it limited to specific infill areas of the community designed to strengthen walkable/mixed-use/compact development. (documentation required)
Notes:
https://ecode360.com/9645973#9645973

Community Wide Greenhouse Gas Mitigation

Question:
The community has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by what percentage since tracking began? Required for Platinum. Use the slider to select the correct percentage.
Answer:
10
Notes:
Question:
The municipal comprehensive plan contains an energy conservation element that states an energy reduction goal, or makes specific suggestions for how the municipality can encourage and/or incentivize energy conservation and efficiency. Recommendations might include plans to increase walkability, increase efficacy of energy code enforcement, add/improve energy incentives to the development process, etc. Select all that apply.
Answer:
B. The comprehensive plan makes specific recommendations for how the municipality can promote, encourage, or incentivize energy efficiency and reduction. (documentation required)
Notes:
https://www.easton-pa.com/DocumentCenter/View/117/Comprehensive-Plan---Adopted-PDF. Page 118 specifically details Energy Conversation strategies and examples.
Question:
The municipality has passed a resolution committing to making the transition to 100% renewable energy, such as Sierra Club's Ready for 100 initiative.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:
This was included in the updated 2024 Climate Action Plan as a key point. Municipality has committed to 100% renewable energy by 2030. https://nurturenaturecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/EastonCAPDraft_revision2024_final.pdf
Question:
The municipality has implemented and is actively enforcing Pennsylvania's energy-efficiency building codes. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality has conducted an assessment of how well Pennsylvania's currently adopted energy-efficiency building codes are being implemented and enforced. Must have occurred after Oct 1, 2018 when the 2015 IBC codes were adopted. - B. Municipal code officials have received training on the energy-efficiency codes.
Notes:
Question:
A greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory has been completed or updated for the entire community within the last 7 years. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality conducted a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory for the entire community within the last 7 years. This could be part of a larger regional GHG Inventory. Required for Gold (documentation required) - B. The municipality created a GHG mitigation plan or climate action plan (CAP) that includes specific recommended goals/actions for the short, medium and long term. This could be part of a larger regional GHG mitigation plan or CAP as long as it mentions - D. The municipality has done more than one GHG inventory and has seen a reduction in GHG pollution. (required for platinum)
Notes:
https://nurturenaturecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/EastonCAPDraft_revision2024_final.pdf. Page 15 shows city0wide GHG emissions for 2018. Other GHG emissions have been conducted in 2016, 2017, and 2022 and reduction in GHG was observed and reported to CDP Reporting.

Economic Development

Question:
The municipality supports local businesses and main street or economic development programs. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality has an active main street program or economic development corporation. (documentation required) - B. The municipality is collaborating with local businesses to make pedestrian improvements to encourage more foot traffic. (documentation required) - C. The municipality supports an initiative to encourage residents to buy local. - D. The municipality maintains an inventory of local retail and B2B businesses on its website.
Notes:
http://www.eastonmainstreet.org/ https://eastonfarmersmarket.com/ https://www.buylocalglv.org/ https://www.easton-pa.com/businessdirectoryii.aspx The city supports local farmers markets, Buy Fresh Buy Local,
Question:
The municipality has policies to incentivize or encourage small-scale developers and developments. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality has reviewed zoning code and related ordinances to assess barriers to small scale developers. - C. The municipality supports small scale developers with special financing tools or programs. (documentation required)
Notes:
https://www.easton-pa.com/190/Your-Business-in-Easton http://www.eastonmainstreet.org/facade/
Question:
The municipality supports or collaborates with a workforce development program to help at-risk populations, or those transitioning away from extractive industries, obtain meaningful employment.
Answer:
A. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
Easton works with Third Street Alliance, an Easton-based non-profit to aid women and children. https://thirdstreetalliance.org/ https://thirdstreetalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2022-2023-Community-Partners.pdf We also work with Safe Harbor to help our community, which focuses on helping the homeless. https://www.safeharboreaston.com/.
Question:
The municipality maintains or supports program/s to recognize local businesses or leaders who encourage or improve sustainability. Select all that apply.
Answer:
B. There is a program that is supported by the municipality to encourage businesses to be aware of innovative sustainable business approaches and recognize their success. (documentation required) - A. The municipality recognizes local business or community leaders who foster sustainability in the community or region, either with awards or with posts in local newsletters or on social media.
Notes:
https://nurturenaturecenter.org/lehigh-valley-sustainable-business-program. The Sustainability Coordinator will be working with Nurture Nature Center on their Sustainable Business Program and will help promote the program through newsletter updates, a webpage, and listing businesses in Easton which reach each level of certification. Those who achieve any grade in the Business Program are published in our newsletter and will be listed on our website (website devoted to sustainability is in the works.)
Question:
The municipal website provides businesses with a list of programs, tools, and resources they can use to improve community sustainability. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The community has a sustainable business landing page that connects businesses to resources to improve sustainability.
Notes:

Community Revitalization

Question:
The municipality is actively working to remediate blighted, vacant, and/or abandoned buildings and/or brownfields in their community. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipal comprehensive plan or other relevant community plan has specific recommendations for remediating blighted and abandoned buildings or brownfields in the community. (documentation required) - C. The municipality manages or participates in an active program to put blighted, abandoned, or brownfield properties back into productive use. (documentation required)
Notes:
https://www.easton-pa.com/DocumentCenter/View/117/Comprehensive-Plan---Adopted-PDF. "Manage and reduce vacancy, underutilization, and blight throughout the City" is listed as Objective 1.3 of the Comprehensive Plan on page 102. Sections discussing blight reduction, repurpose, and increased affordable housing occur on pages 46 and 48.
Question:
The municipality has elected to administer and enforce Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code (UCC) and the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC). Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality administers the UCC. - B. The municipality administers the IMPC.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality operates a rental inspection program for all non-owner occupied buildings. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality manages a rental inspection program. (documentation required) - D. Code enforcement officers are trained on the rental inspection program. - E. Results of the rental inspection program are reported annually to the public.
Notes:
https://ecode360.com/9644156#9644157 https://www.easton-pa.com/DocumentCenter/View/115/Rental-Inspection-Guidelines-PDF
Question:
A demolition ordinance has been adopted that includes provisions to ensure the mitigation of harmful pollutants including lead and asbestos.
Answer:
A. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
The city has a "Demolition of unsafe or unit structures" ordinance that allows for demolition and removal of properties posing danger to citizens. Dangers include existence of harmful pollutants which are mentioned in separate ordinances. https://ecode360.com/31652732?highlight=demolition&searchId=27461311476002645#31652732. Lead is specifically mentioned as a case of abatement: https://ecode360.com/9642686?highlight=lead&searchId=27461517820501723#9642686. Asbestos is also mentioned as specifically causing potential demolition or emergency repairs: https://ecode360.com/45364257?highlight=asbestos&searchId=27461566578088147#31652769.
Question:
The municipality supports or promotes a program to test for and remediate lead in privately owned plumbing systems.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:

Innovations

Question:
Are there any sustainability actions that your community has taken that are not represented by the questions in the other sections? (points will be awarded during the review)
Answer:
A. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
Our Conservation Manager, Robert Christopher, has become a national leader in micro-forestry and is working on a creative copyright publication available free to the public around the world. This guide describes micro-forests in their entirety, including purpose and guidance on how to plant your own. We use our Micro-Forest for nature workshops and other educational events. https://www.lehighvalleynews.com/environment-science/its-not-about-just-the-trees-and-plants-how-eastons-micro-forest-teaches-inspires. https://www.easton-pa.com/518/Discover-Nature-Workshops
Question:
Are there any sustainability actions that your community has taken that are not represented by the questions in the other sections? (points will be awarded during the review)
Answer:
A. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
Sustainability Coordinator has launched a free Sustainability Movie Night program. These movies, in partnership with the Nurture Nature Center, will ideally occur monthly until no longer feasible. These movies will cover a range of topics, including plastic waste reduction, forestry, bird towns, etc. Programs will include educational material and programming from Nurture Nature Center and the Sustainability Coordinator.

Organization Details

Question:
On our Sustainable PA website, we will create a profile recognizing your community when you earn certification. Please provide a quote from an elected official or staff member on the value of sustainability in your community. Please see the More Info button for where it will be used. Please provide the name and title/position of the person who the quote should be attributed to in the first text box below, and provide the quote in the user comments box below that.
Answer:
Brandon Sullivan, Sustainability Coordinator
Notes:
Sustainability, though often a misunderstood term, protects and provides for our residents when practiced in meaningful ways. From energy savings to waste reduction to green spaces, sustainability-minded decisions and equity ensure a present and future for all to enjoy. For what is just is sustainable and what is unjust is unsustainable.
Question:
On your municipality's profile page on the Sustainable PA website, we ask that each community share one action or project related to sustainability which the community would like to highlight. Please provide a description of what you would like to highlight in the comments section below. Please click on the "More Info" button to see how it will look on a community profile.
Answer:
Micro-forest
Notes:
The City of Easton has one of the nation's most successful micro-forest projects. Located in our Lower Hackett Park, our micro-forest is an ongoing project and pillar of effective and wild green space uses from our Conservation Manager, Rob Christopher. Our micro-forest consists of over 35 species of vegetation, creating a multi-layered dense space with shade and significantly reduced temperatures for park guests to enjoy. Wildlife has constantly grown over the years, as snakes can be heard rustling along the tall grasses, birds can be heard chirping in the towering trees, and bees can be heard buzzing in our bee hotel. Easton's micro-forest hopes to become a pillar for urban forestry practice and green space usage, encouraging residents to build micro-forests of their own. Rob Christopher and Easton hope to publish an in-depth guide for free under a creative copyright for all to enjoy.

Land Conservation Management

Question:
The municipal comprehensive plan includes recommendations: Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options. (documentation required)
Answer:
A. for protecting woodlands and increasing tree cover in the municipality. - B. for preserving environmentally sensitive and/or ecologically significant areas. - D. for promoting community gardens and infill green space. - E. for expanding and/or improving parks, recreational spaces, and open space. - F. connecting parks and open with greenways and trails. - G. to expand park access so a majority of residents are within a walkable distance to a park. (must be under 1 mile - suggest 1/2 mile and have a goal of at least 90% of population) - H. to conserve and enhance areas where important wildlife and fish habitats exist and promote connectivity to allow species to migrate to suitable habitat (e.g., using land exchanges, conservation easements, leases; by removing barriers, etc.).
Notes:
https://www.easton-pa.com/DocumentCenter/View/117/Comprehensive-Plan---Adopted-PDF. https://www.easton-pa.com/DocumentCenter/View/1275/Downtown-Active-Transportation-Plan. Please see objectives 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, and 2.5 in the comprehensive plan.
Question:
The municipality has written policies and/or incentives to conserve environmentally and ecologically sensitive places, including: (documentation required) Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. Slopes over 25% and/or slide prone soils and geology
Notes:
Steep slope Ordinance is in place. https://ecode360.com/36577599?highlight=ecological&searchId=27891161823184982#36577599.

Parks and Habitat Programs

Question:
The municipality has been actively building out green space and parks to ensure access to all citizens. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality has built or is in the process of building trail or walkable connections to all major parks, green spaces, and significant community amenities (grocery stores, community centers, libraries, etc...). (documentation required) - C. Parks that have been built or redesigned in the last 10 years included a robust public input process. - D. All municipal parks have been reviewed and redesigned to ensure access to those of all abilities. - B. The municipality maintains or is currently building out the municipal park system such that everyone in the community is a walkable distance (less than .5 miles) away from a publically accessible park or green space. Doesn't apply to rural communities.
Notes:
https://www.easton-pa.com/DocumentCenter/View/1275/Downtown-Active-Transportation-Plan. Plan discusses building and enhancing trails and walkable connections between parks, green spaces, and community amenities.
Question:
Sustainable landscape maintenance practices are used for all parks and municipal grounds. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
B. The municipality has deployed alternatives to grass lawns on publicly owned green space, including replacing lawns with meadows, native plants, and trees. (documentation required) - F. The municipality limits water use by planting appropriate native species and timing waterings to conserve water.
Notes:
Micro-forest and formerly lawn spaces converted to pollinator gardens. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxXCCrmfrzk. https://www.lehighvalleynews.com/environment-science/its-not-about-just-the-trees-and-plants-how-eastons-micro-forest-teaches-inspires. https://easton-pa.com/512/Urban-Conservation.

Transportation Planning

Question:
The comprehensive plan includes transportation-related recommendations and/or goals related to climate change, equitable access, and improving community health outcomes. Those transportation-related recommendations or goals include: (documentation required) Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
B. Improving overall safety outcomes (vision zero) - C. Improving community health outcomes through active transportation - D. increasing equitable access to all modes of transportation - F. Increasing bicycle, transit, and pedestrian commuting
Notes:
https://www.easton-pa.com/DocumentCenter/View/117/Comprehensive-Plan---Adopted-PDF. Option B: 7, 57, 69, 107. Option C: 57, 77, 83, 104, 112 Option D: 56, 57, 77, 83, 103, 112, 113 Option F: 104, 112, 113

Mobility Options

Question:
The municipality has created and is implementing plans and policies to improve bicycle infrastructure and increase bicycle usage. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality has a plan for a bicycle infrastructure network that will reach a majority of the municipal population and commercial businesses with protected and/or separated bike lanes. (documentation required) - D. Regional public transit permits bicycles on its vehicles and/or has bike storage at key locations. - E. The municipality has bike racks at key locations around the town. - F. Police are trained on the rights and responsibilities of bicyclists and state law on passing bicycles. - C. The municipality actively promotes bicycling with information provided on its website, newsletter, and/or other communication networks.
Notes:
https://www.easton-pa.com/DocumentCenter/View/116/Comprehensive-Plan---Final-Executive-Summary-PDF?bidId=. Explained or showed on pages 10, 17, 21, 24, and new bike networks are listed as a priority project on page 27. Bike racks are mapped here: https://www.easton-pa.com/247/Bike-Racks-Around-Easton.
Question:
The municipality has passed transit policies or built transit-related infrastructure. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality has completed or participated in a transit access assessment either as a stand-alone process or as part of a comprehensive planning or ecodistrict process. This can also be part of a regional process. - C. Information is collected, shared, and/or work is done in collaboration with transit authority. - D. The municipality actively promotes the use of transit on its website, newsletter, and/or other communication networks.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality is developing and maintaining residential multimodal infrastructure. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality is developing and maintaining bicycling and walking trails that extend and connect the community's sidewalks, key community assets/amenities, and park systems. - B. The municipality has created a sidewalk improvement program that provides incentives to property owners to maintain and/or rebuild their sidewalks and/or is actively building sidewalks where there are gaps in neighborhood connections.
Notes:

Vehicle Carbon Reduction and Efficiency

Question:
The municipality has plans or policies designed to improve vehicle efficiency and shift drivers to more sustainable forms of travel. The goals of vehicle efficiency programs or practices should be secondary to protecting the safety, convenience, connectivity, and accessibility of the system for bicycle, pedestrian, and other non-motorized vehicular traffic. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
B. Access management and/or congestion management programs have been evaluated and are being implemented to improve the flow of traffic and lower carbon emissions. - A. The municipality supports a program to educate citizens and/or business on the benefits of transportation demand-side management. - C. The municipality is implementing smart signalization in high volume vehicular transportation corridors. (documentation required)
Notes:
The City of Easton is in the process of buying/obtaining smart signalization in high volume transportation corridors highlighted in the Active Transportation Plan. We are in the earliest stages of acquiring the automated systems and signals, so documentation is limited. Our City Engineer has stated only texts confirming the plans are available as documentation until later in the summer. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.easton-pa.com/DocumentCenter/View/1275/Downtown-Active-Transportation-Plan.
Question:
The municipality has analyzed and/or implemented parking policy to increase efficiency and improve street-level parking access. Select all that apply.
Answer:
B. Parking fees or permitting have been updated to improve traffic flow, reduce "circling," and improve street-level parking access for local businesses.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality is taking steps to improve Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption in the community. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality has assessed EV Infrastructure and created a plan for where the municipal government should install chargers on government owned property.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has completed a vehicle fleet assessment to analyze the potential for lower- or zero-carbon vehicles, right-sizing vehicles for the job/trip requirement, replacing older diesel trucks or equipment with cleaner technology. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. A low-carbon vehicle fleet efficiency assessment has been completed. - C. A policy is in place to regularly calibrate and maintain vehicles and track fuel efficiency/carbon reduction. - F. The municipality uses GPS trackers on municipal vehicles to monitor efficiency and test efficacy of calibrations. - D. The municipality has replaced one or more vehicles with hybrids or electric vehicles. (documentation required)
Notes:
Question:
The municipal fleet has lowered it fuel-based carbon footprint by X%. Please consider carbon from supplied electricity unless EVs are charged from an installed renewable energy system. (documentation required) Use the slider to select the correct percentage.
Answer:
9
Notes:

Energy Use, Conservation and Green Building

Municipal Energy Use
Question:
Do you track your energy usage? Required for Gold and Platinum. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. We monitor and record our energy use. Required for Gold.
Notes:
Energy is tracked and used for GHG emission reporting, internal reporting, and increasing building efficiency. The Sustainability Coordinator is working to implement yearly energy use reporting and publishing to the public via Energy Stars.
Question:
To what extent has the municipality engaged in an energy audit for municipally owned buildings? Select all that apply. See below for required documentation. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
B. We have undergone a professionally-conducted energy audit. (documentation required) - C. We have implemented some of the recommendations from the energy audit.
Notes:
Audit conducted by Wilson Engineering. Recommended steps are being considered and implemented.
Question:
Municipality has retrofitted or replaced at least 90% of street lights, outdoor lighting, and traffic signals with LED bulbs. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. Yes, the municipality has started the process but does not yet have 90% of their lights converted.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has trained building operators to fine-tune building operations to conserve energy (i.e., building retuning training) and has created guidelines for how to maintain operations. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipal officials in charge of building maintenance and operations have been to at least one course on building retuning in the last 5 years.
Notes:

Governance and Community Engagement

Public Safety
Question:
The municipality has evaluated the efficacy of the community's emergency preparedness systems and has a plan for maintenance or improvement. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality has assessed the efficacy of the community's emergency preparedness systems. - C. There is a policy in place to regularly review existing emergency response resources, systems, and plans.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality collaborates with neighboring municipalities in the provision of public safety services. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. Municipality maintains updated public safety mutual aid agreements with neighboring municipalities and shares resources. - B. Municipality participates in a regional service program or contracts services to or through other municipalities for firefighting services.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has assessed the state of the opioid epidemic or drug related incidences in their community, created a response plan, and has policies in place to mitigate the problem. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The community has assessed the state of the opioid epidemic in their community or has done so in partnership with a larger regional entity (COG, County, Health Dept., etc.). (1) - D. The municipality has Narcan and information for recovery services available for the general public.
Notes: