04/18/2000 - 00008123CITY OF FRIDLEY
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MEETING
APRIL 18, 2000
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Barbara Johns called the April 18, 2000, meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present: Barbara Johns, Rich Svanda, Pete Panchyshyn, Jack Velin
Members Absent: Michelle Maher, Rosalie Landt
Others Present: Julie Jones, Recycling Coordinator
APPROVAL OF MARCH 21, 2000, ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY
COMMISSION MINUTES:
MOTION by Mr. Svanda, seconded by Mr. Velin, to approve the March 21, 2000,
Environmental Quality & Energy Commission minutes as written.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON JOHNS DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. Consider 2001 Goals & Objectives
Ms. Jones corrected information regarding the SWAP fund goals and objectives,
noting that the City Council has not reviewed them as stated. It appeared that
time constraints due to several extra meetings will prohibit Council review of the
goals and objectives prior to budget review. She suggested that the
Commission review the Commission's 2000 work plan first and then review the
2001 SWAP goals and objectives.
Ms. Jones explained that the purpose of completing the 2000 and 2001 work
plans will be to have a mechanism for tracking completion of various tasks. She
pointed out that review of comprehensive plan drafts should be added to the list.
One task she was concerned about was the solid waste management study.
She asked if the Commission was interested in completing further study. The
general consensus was to leave the item in the work plan as an "ongoing
monitor" activity.
Mr. Svanda asked if there are any Superfund sites in the City.
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MINUTES
APRIL 18, 2000 PAGE 2
Ms. Jones stated she would attempt to get an answer for the next meeting.
Ms. Johns questioned the testing of scrap yards in the City.
The Commission decided to add another action step under protection of water
resources to monitor environmental compliance of scrap yards. The
Commission decided to add a new task related to reviewing plans for light and
heavy rail through Fridley. The Commission also decided that a mobile home
park survey would only be done if participation has not increased.
The Commission reviewed the SWAP 2001 goals and objectives and made no
recommendation for changes.
The Commission decided to discuss a 2001 work plan later in the year.
Ms. Jones encouraged the Commission to consider other projects for 2001
including: OEA grants for "community stability", establishing a policy for design
for sustainability for City-building projects, an OEA waste reduction campaign,
an Earth Day event, and establishing a"green" meeting policy for the City.
b. Council/Commission Survey Results
The Commission members noted and discussed the survey questions pertaining
to Springbrook Nature Center and electronics.
c. Round Table Discussion of Deconstruction with City-Owned Buildings
Ms. Johns explained that she has investigated salvaging parts of old buildings
prior to demolition or remodeling for her employer. The possibility of requiring
the City and HRA to establish a policy for deconstruction was discussed.
Ms. Jones stated she would approach the HRA staff and Community
Development Director about establishing a policy and bring more information
back to the Commission for further discussion.
Ms. Johns stated it would also be beneficial if the City could provide information
on deconstruction options for buildings to the general public obtaining permits.
2. OLD BUSINESS
a. Consider Options for 49'er Days Parade Theme/Handouts
Ms. Jones distributed a summary of possible handouts for the 49'ers Day Parade
that could fit within the budget. The main concern was how to keep to a"reduce"
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MINUTES
APRIL 18, 2000 PAGE 3
waste theme. After reviewing the various options, the Commission agreed to
pursue purchasing some of the "Earth Care" rulers and the cardboard magnets.
Ms. Jones stated she would plan on ordering 1,000 of each unless other
donations are obtained and she could order more.
b. Report on April 8 Monthly Drop-off Day
Ms. Jones reported that the first monthly drop-off day of the year on April gt"
went smoothly. Electronics was the most popular item with about one ton of
electronics dropped off. The reports are not all in, but it appears that tonnage
will be around five tons, which was a typical amount collected last year. A
mailer is at the printer and is scheduled to go out before the May 13t" drop-off
day.
3. OTHER BUSINESS:
a. Update on Springbrook CWP Project
Ms. Jones stated that work on the CWP project final report is running full speed.
The consultants have less than two weeks to complete their work, after which
committee meetings will start. A tour of the entire Nature Center by several
wetland experts was conducted on April 10 which allowed the limnologist,
working on the project, to obtain useful input from others.
Ms. Jones stated a St. Paul sign company is also working to complete two
educational signs for the Nature Center.
Ms. Jones stated the project term ends May 2, 2000, which is when all cash
expenditures need to be completed.
b. Update on Wellhead Protection
Ms. Jones stated she had no new information from John Flora.
c. Information from the State of Wisconsin
Ms. Jones showed information from the State of Wisconsin, which states that the
State is considering banning carpeting and food waste from the waste stream.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Mr. Panchyshyn, seconded by Mr. Svanda, to adjourn the April 18, 2000,
Environmental Quality & Energy Commission meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MINUTES
APRIL 18, 2000 PAGE 4
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON JOHNS DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED AND THE APRIL 18, 2000, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 9:27 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Julie A. Jones
Staff Liaison