03/20/2001 - 00009386CITY OF FRIDLEY
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MEETING
MARCH 20, 2001
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Johns called the March 20, 2001, meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present: Barb Johns, Jack Velin, Rich Svanda, Pete Panchyshyn,
Barbara Kovacic, Mary Gliniany
Members Absent: Michelle Maher
Others Present: Julie Jones, Planner/Recycling Coordinator
Grant Fernelius, Housing Coordinator
APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 20, 2001, ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY
COMMISSION MINUTES:
MOTION by Mr. Svanda, seconded by Ms. Gliniany, to approve the February 20, 2001,
Environmental Quality & Energy Commission minutes as written.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON JOHNS DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. Update on University of Minnesota Natural Resource Class Project
Ms. Jones reported that she recently met with the two professors at the University of
Minnesota that oversee the College of Natural Resources Capstone Course to
brainstorm about potential projects in Fridley. Following that session, there appeared
to be two project ideas that the professors were possibly interested in pursuing. One
idea was to conduct an overall environmental audit of the City of Fridley, and the
other idea was to investigate the possibilities of creating open space in existing
residential neighborhoods for wildlife and water retention. The professors had
planned to come to the Fridley offices to visit with staff more and to tour the City.
Ms. Jones reported that she presented the general project concepts mentioned to
the Community Development Director, who has the following concerns about the
possible project:
1. The citywide environmental analysis would be a duplication of the
comprehensive plan update process on which the City has already spent a lot
of time and money.
2. The scattered site open space idea runs contrary to the HRA's affordable
housing objectives and requirements for replacement housing.
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MARCH 20. 2001 PAGE 2
3. The City Council needs to drive the decision of what topic to pursue through
the goals and objectives process not the U of M
4. Community Development cannot afford the staff commitment this year for this
program.
Ms. Gliniany raised concerns that making the project Council-driven may defeat the
process of the Capstone Class program. She also believed it was possible to
complete the project without much staff involvement.
A discussion followed, and Ms. Johns asked staff to continue the pursuit of possible
project ideas that could be incorporated into 2002 goals and objectives that would
allow for Council approval.
b. Review 2000 Annual Recycling Report
Ms. Jones asked if there were any questions about the 2000 Recycling Report that
was included in the meeting packet. She requested any input on needed clarification
before the report went on to Council.
Ms. Gliniany questioned if staff knows why usership of the yard waste site is
dropping.
Ms. Johns stated it may be due to the ease and low cost of curbside pickup of yard
waste.
Ms. Jones said the County compost site has expanded its operations, which also
may be an affecting factor.
Mr. Svanda questioned if a decision had been made on a rate increase for the yard
waste transfer site.
Ms. Jones said that decision had not yet been made.
2. OLD BUSINESS
a. Review Draft Deconstruction Policy
Ms. Jones introduced Grant Fernelius, Fridley's Housing Coordinator, and manager
of HRA redevelopment projects.
Ms. Johns requested that Mr. Fernelius explain what types of projects the HRA
typically creates and how the HRA acquisition projects are completed.
Mr. Fernelius explained the HRA's Housing Replacement Program, where the HRA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MINUTES
MARCH 20. 2001 PAGE 3
normally acquires 5-6 dilapidated houses per year. About 30 homes have been
acquired, torn down, and replaced since the program started in 1995. He explained
that the program has been successful in producing new housing, but it is an
expensive process. He also reported on staff's experience with the pilot
deconstruction process with the house on East River Road. He said that although
there were complications (added expense and safety concerns) with the pilot project,
he sees value in a deconstruction program.
The Commission members discussed how a deconstruction policy could work in the
City.
Ms. Johns explained her thinking in raising the issue of establishing a deconstruction
policy.
The Commission members further discussed the deconstruction policy.
The Commission members voiced some interest in having private demolition and
remodeling occurring in the City used as an opportunity to educate about
deconstruction possibilities. How this could possibly be addressed through the
permitting process was discussed.
Mr. Fernelius stated he would like to get some feedback from the HRA before the
Council reviews a draft policy.
Ms. Jones stated she hoped to secure some sample policy information from the
Portland, Oregon, area. She reported on what she had learned from a non-profit
deconstruction company in Portland that does "full" deconstruction.
The Commission members recommended that Mr. Fernelius take the draft policy
concept to the HRA for feedback.
b. Update on Food Waste Reduction/Compost Bin Study
Julie Jones reported that feedback on a reduced-price compost bin sale appeared to
be very appealing to most people surveyed at the local Home and Garden Fair.
However, since so few Fridley residents attended the event, she was unsure if
enough people were surveyed to offer adequate feedback.
Ms. Gliniany questioned what other events could be used to conduct a similar
survey.
Ms. Jones reported that she will be unable to attend the Spring Fling at the Nature
Center to conduct another survey, as had been discussed at a previous Commission
meeting, and she did not know of any other major public events where staff might
have a similar opportunity. The monthly recycling drop-off days was mentioned as
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MINUTES
MARCH 20. 2001 PAGE 4
an event where participants could be surveyed, although it would likely be a group
unrepresentative of the general public. The possibility of including the questions in
the next citizen survey was discussed. She stated she would make the suggestion.
c. Update on Little League Ball Field Erosion Problem
Ms. Jones reported that repair of the erosion problem at the Little League Ball Fields
has been placed on the work order list for the Parks Maintenance staff for the spring.
3. OTHER BUSINESS:
a. Update on Springbrook CWP Special Legislation
Ms. Jones reported that she is unsure if the City will get a chance to testify before
the Environment & Natural Resources Finance Committee regarding the Springbrook
Watershed Legislative proposal since committee hearings must be completed by the
end of next week.
Mr. Velin asked if the recent meetings about redesign of the Springbrook Nature
Center entrance had anything to do with the Springbrook wetland restoration project.
Ms. Johns, who had attended one of the meetings, explained the purpose of the
meetings.
b. Update on Plans for 49'ers Days Parade
Ms. Jones reported that both the BFI recycling parade truck and the OEA's
Reducemobile have been reserved to be part of the Commission's parade unit.
Mr. Velin asked about getting a golf cart again and suggested that staff attempt to
secure a golf cart. He also asked if the Commission was getting T-shirts to wear.
Ms. Jones said she had put in a request to BFI, but had not gotten a response.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Mr. Svanda, seconded by Mr. Velin, to adjourn the meeting.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON JOHNS DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED AND THE MARCH 20, 2001, ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY
COMMISSION MEETING ADJOURNED AT 9:07 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MINUTES
MARCH 20. 2001 PAGE 5
Julie A. Jones
Staff Liaison