12/12/2000 - 00008422CITY OF FRIDLEY
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MEETING
DECEMBER 12, 2000
Members Present: Barb Johns, Rich Svanda, Mary Gliniany
Members Absent: Jack Velin, Pete Panchyshyn, Barbara Kovacic, Michelle Maher
Others Present: Julie Jones, Recycling Coordinator
Barbara Dacy, Community Development Director
Scott Hickok, Planning Coordinator
Despite not having a quorum, the three Commission members in attendance discussed and
reviewed the draft comment letter on the Northstar Corridor Draft Environmental Impact
Statement.
REVIEW OF COMMUTER RAIL PROJECT EIS
The proposed track improvements were discussed. There was agreement with staff's
concerns about impacts of such improvements to the Springbrook Nature Center and storm
water management.
Ms. Gliniany asked if any other sites were considered for the station site in Fridley.
Mr. Hickok stated that there really are no other potential sites to consider.
The noise analysis in the EIS was discussed. It was recommended that the possible
"canyon-effect" in heavily developed areas in the City of added trains and whistles needed to
be emphasized more in the noise section of the letter.
Ms. Gliniany asked if there was room to plant trees as a sound buffer along the proposed
sidding.
Staff stated it was doubtful that much planting would be acceptable in that area to NSP due
to the powerlines in the area.
The general environmental impact of having a rail siding so close to the Springbrook Nature
Center wtelands was discussed in detail.
Ms. Glinany proposed establishing indicators of affect or benefit of the proposed siding so
that future impacts would have a base line.
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MINUTES
DECEMBER 12. 2000 PAGE 2