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02/15/2000 - 00007983CITY OF FRIDLEY ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 15, 2000 CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Sielaff called the February 15, 2000, meeting to order at 7:37 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Brad Sielaff, Rich Svanda, Jack Velin, Rosie Landt, Pete Panchyshyn, Barbara Johns, Michelle Maher Members Absent: None Others Present: Julie Jones, Recycling Coordinator APPROVAL OF JANUARY 18, 2000, ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MINUTES: MOTION by Mr. Panchyshyn, seconded by Mr. Velin, to approve the January 18, 2000, Environmental Quality & Energy Commission minutes. Ms. Landt noted a spelling correction to the word "fall" on page 3, paragraph 3.a. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SIELAFF DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE MINUTES APPROVED AS CORRECTED. NEW BUSINESS: a. Discuss Audio Taping of Meetings Ms. Jones stated that she had neglected to raise this item for discussion at the previous meeting. She explained that the tape recorder is not working properly, and that had raised the question regarding the need to audio tape the Environmental Quality & Energy Commission meeting minutes since similar commissions' meetings are not taped. She explained that the written minutes, when approved, become the public record of the meeting; but when the meeting is audio taped, the tapes must be stored for a certain period of time, which becomes a record retention issue. The question was raised as to when the audio taping of ineetings began in the first place. Ms. Jones stated that bylaws for the Commission have never been discovered, if they even exist. After some discussion, the Commission members generally agreed that if staff does not rely on the tapes to record minutes, they are probably unnecessary. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 15, 2000 PAGE 2 MOTION by Ms. Landt, seconded by Mr of the Commission minutes unless there maintain an audio recording. Svanda, to discontinue the audio taping is a guest speaker or other reason to UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SIELAFF DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. b. Review Local Water Management Plan Section of Comprehensive Plan Draft Ms. Jones explained that a revision of the draft "Local Water Management Plan" portion of the Comprehensive Plan was not provided to her before the meeting. It is a lengthy section of the Plan, and she will attempt to mail it to the Commission members as far in advance as possible. It is planned that the Commission will review this document at the March 21, 2000, meeting. c. Review 1999 Year End Recycling Report Ms. Jones stated some changes are necessary to the draft report due to County review of Fridley's recycling reports submitted in January. Actual year-end tonnage is still being debated. She explained that due to a misunderstanding in funding policy, the City did not capture 100% of Fridley's possible SCORE funding allotment. The City was successful, however, in balancing revenues and expenses better than in previous years. The multi-unit totals were questioned and discussed. Ms. Jones agreed that the tonnages reported by private haulers appear unreasonably high; however, she must rely on what is documented to her. The accuracy of tonnage reporting was discussed and debated. Various other details of the report were discussed. It was generally agreed that it is best to recommend maintaining the current recycling services due to our successes in 1999. d. Review 2001 Goals & Objectives Ms. Jones explained that she had provided the Commission with a copy of the Community Development Department's SWAP goals and objectives for 2000 as a reference, but she encouraged the Commission members to voice their interest in other environmental issues that are unrelated to solid waste abatement. She further explained the budget preparation procedures explaining that after staff has the results of the Council/Commission survey, staff will prepare and submit draft goals and objectives to the City Manager. These goals ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 15, 2000 PAGE 3 and objectives then become the basis for planning next year's budget. Ms. Jones encouraged the Commission members to complete the surveys recently mailed to them and return them by the requested deadline. The Commission members requested staff to bring a blank copy of the Council/ Commission survey to the next meeting for reference. Mr. Sielaff suggested waiting until the March meeting to discuss the 2001 Goals & Objectives, allowing time to incorporate the survey results. e. 49'ers Day Parade Mr. Velin stated that the Lions Club has invited the Commission to participate in the 49'ers Day Parade again this year. The registration deadline is May 31, 2000, so the Commission has some time to decide. 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Review Draft Tree Preservation Text Amendments Ms. Jones summarized staff's recommended language for text amendments to Subdivision Section 211 that would formulize what staff has already been informally doing when residential subdivision requests occur. She explained that the amendment has the potential of limiting tree removal on about 700 properties in the City. A GIS map was circulated showing where these properties are located. Mr. Svanda questioned the use of the word "caliper" in defining "significant tree" but not in referring to replacement trees. It was suggested that "caliper" be removed since it is an outdated term. (Michele Maher arrived at 8:22 p.m.) Ms. Landt questioned how staff determined the 8-foot height definition on coniferous trees. Ms. Jones explained that this is consistent with other sections of code. Mr. Panchyshyn questioned if the City can remove trees on City-owned property. Ms. Jones explained that there is an existing section in the code protecting trees on municipally owned property. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 15, 2000 PAGE 4 Mr. Sielaff stated that the tree preservation plan requirements should probably be a new section in itself and not part of the Application section. Staff agreed that the organization of the language is difficult to follow and that attempts would be made to reorganize it. The requirement of who is qualified to draft a tree preservation plan was debated. It was agreed that this language should be consistent with other section of code. It was also agreed that it should be assured that only a "qualified" person could design a plan. Ms. Johns expressed the concern that someone could clear trees on a property prior to beginning the subdivision process. It was the general conclusion that this possible conflict may not be preventable. The Commission members suggested incorporating their suggestions and forwarding the draft on to the Planning Commission. 3. OTHER BUSINESS a. Update on Springbrook CWP Project Ms. Jones reported that staff has a proposal from BRA to assist in drafting the Springbrook CWP project final report. Because of the funding deadlines, staff will be putting a great deal of time into this project over the next two months. b. Update on Wellhead Protection Ms. Jones reported that staff has no information to report on Wellhead Protection. c. Update on Plans for 2000 Monthly Drop-Off Days Ms. Jones reported that the City has confirmed a proposal from Green Lights Recycling, a local company, to collect electronics, fluorescent lamps, and batteries at this year's monthly recycling drop-off days, which will begin April 8. She explained why staff does not plan to add batteries to the drop-off days at this time. She also explained how staff envisions the charges on electronics being split between residents and the City. Ms. Jones stated the WA has been secured as a substitute for Goodwill to collect clothing and household goods. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 15, 2000 PAGE 5 d. Brad Sielaff's Resignation Mr. Sielaff announced that he would be resigning at the end of this term (April 1, 2000). He explained that he was making the announcement at this time so that other Commission members can consider the commitment of chairperson since office elections will occur at the March meeting. He stated the Chairperson of the Commission also attends Planning Commission meetings on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Mr. Sielaff stated he would finish serving as a representative on the Springbrook CWP Advisory Commission. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Mr. Svanda, seconded by Ms. Johns, to adjourn the February 15, 2000, Environmental Quality & Energy Commission meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SIELAFF DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE FEBRUARY 15, 2000, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 9:12 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Julie A. Jones Staff Liaison