02/20/2001 - 00009126CITY OF FRIDLEY
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MEETING
FEBRUARY 20, 2001
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Johns called the February 20, 2001, meeting to order at 7:33 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present: Barb Johns, Rich Svanda, Pete Panchyshyn, Mary Gliniany
Members Absent: Jack Velin, Barbara Kovacic, Michelle Maher
Others Present: Julie Jones, Recycling Coordinator
APPROVAL OF JANUARY 16, 2001, ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY
COMMISSION MINUTES:
MOTION by Mr. Panchyshyn, seconded by Mr. Svanda, to approve the January 16, 2001,
Environmental Quality & Energy Commission minutes as written.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON JOHNS DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
1. NEW BUSINESS:
a. Discussion of Little League Ballfield Erosion Problem
Ms. Gliniany explained exactly where the silt (limestone) is traveling along the
pathway along 59t" Avenue, south from Jefferson Street to 7t" Street.
Ms. Jones stated she would follow up with the Parks' staff later in the spring to seek a
solution.
2. OLD BUSINESS
a. Review of Revised 2001 Commission Work Plan
Ms. Jones asked the Commission members if the revised 2001 work plan was
acceptable.
The revised 2001 work plan was reviewed and discussed.
Mr. Svanda questioned if the food waste reduction effort was the proposed compost
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MINUTES
FEBRUARY 20. 2001 PAGE 2
bin distribution project.
Ms. Jones explained that it was and that this project has been pushed back to 2002.
Mr. Svanda requested more information on the plans to conduct an environmental
assessment for Fridley.
Ms. Gliniany explained her experience working with the University of Minnesota class
project.
Possible projects were discussed.
Ms. Gliniany said she would contact the NRES class professor to inquire as to plans
for upcoming class projects. Then, the Commission can work with other commissions
to determine the most important environmental issue to address. If many ideas are
discovered, she can pursue similar programs at other area colleges.
b. Update on Food Waste Reduction/Compost Bin Distribution Plans for
Spring 2001
Ms. Jones reported that, based upon the suggestion of the last EQE Commission
meeting, she is making arrangements to have a compost bin available for display at
the March 3, 2001, Home & Garden Fair. She plans to entice people to complete a
survey questionnaire by having Fridley residents register to win the compost bin. She
will then give away the compost bin at the end of the event. The purpose of the
survey is to gauge interest in backyard composting, food waste composting, and the
acceptable purchase price of compost bins.
The potential survey questions were discussed.
c. Review of Draft Deconstruction Policy
Mr. Svanda questioned if they could get more information on the deconstruction
experiences in Portland, Oregon, that are referenced on the Deconstruction Services'
report.
Ms. Jones said she would attempt to get a contact for Portland from Deconstruction
Services.
The Commission members agreed to invite Grant Fernelius, Housing Coordinator, to
the March 20 meeting to discuss developing a deconstruction policy for Fridley.
3. OTHER BUSINESS:
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MINUTES
FEBRUARY 20. 2001 PAGE 3
a. Update on Springbrook CWP Project
Ms. Jones reported that two bills are being considered at the State Legislature related
to the Springbrook Phase II CWP Implementation Project. The bill is designed to fund
the project as if the Fall 2000 MPCA application were approved.
Ms. Gliniany volunteered to attend a hearing to show public support for the project.
b. Discussion of Plans for 49'er Days Parade
Ms. Jones announced that the 2001 49'er Days parade will be on Thursday, June 14
She asked the Commission members if they intended to have a unit in the parade.
She also reported that she can attempt to get the OEA to provide its Reducemobile
again as part of the Commission's unit.
The Commission members agreed to have a unit in the parade. Potential handouts, t-
shirts, and transportation were briefly discussed.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Ms. Gliniany, seconded by Mr. Svanda, to adjourn the February 20, 2001,
Environmental Quality & Energy Commission meeting.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON JOHNS DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED AND THE DECEMBER 12, 2000, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:47 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Julie A. Jones
Staff Laison