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04/15/1997 - 00003737CITY OF FRIDLEY ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 15, 1997 CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Sielaff called the April 15, 1997, meeting to order at 7:34 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Brad Sielaff, Peter Panchyshyn, Bruce Bondow, Dean Saba, Jack Velin, Rich Svanda, Rosalie Landt I►�iCai'i1.• -Ta'�i �_1• -'�iii�►[•7T Others Present: Julie Jones, Recycling Coordinator Scott Hickok, Planning Coordinator APPROVAL OF MARCH 18, 1997, ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MINUTES: MOTION by Mr. Svanda, seconded by Mr. Saba, to approve the March 18, 1997, Environmental Quality & Energy Commission minutes as written. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SIELAFF DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. NEW BUSINESS: Review of County SCORE Reimbursement Policy Ms. Jones reviewed the worksheets enclosed in the agenda packet. These two worksheets compared actual 1996 (second half) expenses and revenues reported to Anoka County to the level of "eligible" expenses if the City achieved 8% over goal. Ms. Jones explained that the exercise showed that the City received the maximum allowable SCORE funding without achieving the 8% over goal, so it would have had no effect on City costs to have achieved a higher recycling level. She displayed overheads based upon 1997 estimated costs and 1998 projected budget figures for the purpose of analyzing whether or not revenues from the sale of aluminum cans at the Recycling Center or increasing the SWAP fee to $5 per quarter in 1998 would impact the City's receipt of SCORE funds negatively. It was concluded that the City's eligible expenses will greatly exceed the expected annual SCORE funding level of $75,000, so the City does not need to be concerned about increasing revenues in the Solid Waste Abatement Fund. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MARCH 18, 1997 PAGE 2 Ms. Jones questioned the Commission members regarding their interest in being involved in the budget process in 1998. She suggested that the Commission become involved in the setting goals and objectives process early in the year since the budget is largely based upon the year's goals and objectives. The Commission members collectively agreed that they would like to be involved in the budget process, particularly with establishing goals and objectives. Mr. Sielaff suggested that staff pull from the files the 1996 Commission workplan. They can then discuss the 1997 workplan, as well as the budget process, at the May meeting. It was discussed that one way to ensure that the Commission's workplan is in line with the City Council's goals and objectives is to have City Council representation at the Commission's meetings. 2. OLD BUSINESS: a. Update on Curbside Recycling Program Ms. Jones reported that participation on April 9 and April 14 was estimated by the Waste Management Operations Manager to be around 60%. This compares to a high of 23% in the 1996 program. Ms. Jones stated it is unclear why participation has been higher than expected, but it may be due to some areas going three weeks since the last collection and to the stockpiling of plastic bottles since notices went out to residents in mid-March. She reported that the first report from Waste Management detailing tonnage and participation rates will be available in mid-May. Mr. Sielaff questioned what will be the most accurate way to measure the success of the program. Ms. Jones stated that the City Council wants to compare pound recycled per household per year as an indicator of program effectiveness. Due to a concern over waste reduction efforts Ms. Jones suggested that the Commission study the results of a waste reduction grant project completed in the City of Blaine. The Commission members agreed that they would like to make that an agenda item in May if the results can be obtained. Ms. Jones reported that there is another study coming out called the Tellus Report that may also be appropriate for discussion at the May meeting. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MARCH 18, 1997 PAGE 3 b. Update on Clean Water Partnership Grant Ms. Jones reported that the City Council resolution authorizing the Clean Water Parternship Grant was approved on April 14, 1997. She further reported that she will be meeting with the MPCA Project Coordinator next week to revise the workplan. Mr. Sielaff recommended taking advantage of technical expertise of the MPCA staff. Ms. Landt suggested that University of Minnesota students may be a resource for 1997 run-off sampling by volunteers. c. Update on Groundwater Study Ms. Jones reported that she had no additional information regarding the Wellhead Protection Plan. 3. OTHER BUSINESS: a. Household Hazardous Waste Collection Mr. Velin mentioned that the County's Household Hazardous Waste Collection is happening on April 25 and 26 at Columbia Arena. Ms. Jones stated the County is seeking volunteers if anyone is interested. b. Yard Waste Transfer Site Mr. Svanda asked when the Yard Waste Transfer Site was opening. Ms. Jones stated the site is opening on Tuesday, April 22, and will be open on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. She also reported that there will be a special Earth Day celebration at the Recycling Center April 22-26. Tree seedlings will be given away, and there will be a 3 cents/pound bonus for aluminum cans. There will also be an Earth Day celebration at Springbrook Nature Center on Saturday, April 19. c. Global Action Plan Award Ms. Jones announced that the City is receiving an award from Global Action Plan on Thursday, April 17. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MARCH 18, 1997 PAGE 4 d. Other Ms. Jones stated that the Spring Lake Park Energy Commission recently changed its name to the "Environmental Quality Commission". ADJOURNMENT: MOTION by Mr. Svanda, seconded by Mr. Velin, to adjourn the meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SIELAFF DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE APRIL 15, 1997, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:32 P. M. Respectfully submitted, Julie A. Jones Staff Liaison to Commission