05/20/2003 - 00028066CITY OF FRIDLEY
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 20, 2003
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Chairperson Johns called the May 20, 2003, meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present: Barb Johns, Jack Velin, Rich Svanda, Pat Rowan, Barbara Kovacic
Members Absent: Anne Andrews, Michelle Maher
Others Present: Julie Jones, Environmental Planner
APPROVAL OF APRIL 15, 2003, ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION
MINUTES:
MOTION by Ms. Kovacic, seconded by Mr. Velin, to approve the April 15, 2003, 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. Election of Officers
Staff noted that Barbara Johns is currently serving as Chairperson and Jack Velin is
currently serving as Vice-Chairperson.
MOTION by Mr. Svanda, seconded by Ms. Kovacic, to elect Barbara Johns to continue as
Chairperson and Jack Velin to continue as Vice-Chairperson of the EQE Commission for
the 2003-2004 term.
There were no other nominations.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON JOHNS DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
b. Discussion of Information regarding Container Deposit
Ms. Jones reported on the GRRN forum regarding the need for container deposit in
Minnesota and evaluation of other successful container deposit systems. She explained
how the California and Alberta container deposit systems work. She also showed some of
the public promotion posters that California has created as part of its recycling program.
Mr. Rowan commented that he liked how the Oregon container deposit system worked
and found it convenient.
Ms. Jones commented that she expected to hear more about container deposit via
upcoming e-mail forums.
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MINUTES
MAY 20, 2003 PAGE 2
Mr. Svanda commented that he doubted a container deposit bill would pass in the current
political climate at the State level.
c. Update on ACD Rain Barrel/Garden Cost-Share Program
Ms. Jones explained that the Anoka Conservation District has gotten a grant to help
create demonstration rain gardens in Anoka County. She said she had submitted a
request for an article in the next City Newsletter to let residents know about the
opportunity. She said the grant program appeared to be a great deal because you could
use your own labor as part of the required matching funds. She encouraged any
Commission member who was interested in establishing a rain garden or purchasing a
rain barrel to contact Sol Bijnagte at 763-434-2030, extension 16.
2. OLD BUSINESS:
a. Finalize Plans for the June 12th 49ers Day Parade and Consideration of
Canceling the June 17th Meeting
MOTION by Mr. Svanda, seconded by Mr. Velin, to cancel the June 17 EQEC meeting.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON JOHNS DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Jones confirmed that there is a golf cart reserved for the Commission. The BFI
recycling truck is scheduled to participate, but the State's Reducemobile is mothballed for
the next two years due to budget cuts.
Ms. Jones reported that two different style rulers that promote recycling are available for
distribution during the parade. She plans to give out the PET ones first, since they
promote park recycling, which will likely fall the way of budget cuts next year. If needed,
the other recycled paper rulers would be distributed when the PET ones run out.
Ms. Johns asked if BFI could donate some pencils.
Ms. Jones stated she would ask BFI.
The Commission members agreed that each one should wear a white shirt and khaki
slacks. The blue carpenter-style aprons will be available for holding the rulers. Mr. Velin
reminded everyone to wear a 49'ers Day button also.
Ms. Jones stated the details on when and where to meet are expected to arrive only a
few days before the event. She will call or send a notice to the Commission members
explaining the necessary information.
b. Update on Springbrook Watershed Implementation Project
Ms. Jones explained that the future of the Springbrook Watershed Project is likely in
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MINUTES
MAY 20, 2003 PAGE 3
jeopardy with last night's decision by the City Council to direct staff to study the possibility
of converting the Nature Center into a golf course. If the use of the Nature Center were to
change in the future, she felt the project sponsors would likely have to return grant funds
and scrap the project.
Ms. Jones explained that prior to these recent developments the project was moving
forward. The Advisory Committee is awaiting a response from MnDOT to our consultant's
proposal to expand the existing Northtown storm water pond at University Avenue and
85th Avenue. Educational efforts are moving forward with filming nearly complete on the
video. The goal is to get the video complete by the end of June. Also, the date of April 24,
2004 has been selected for a 4-city wide Garden Fair at the Springbrook Nature Center.
The purpose of this free public event will be to promote the purchase of rain barrels and
installation of rain gardens to reduce storm water flows. However, Ms. Jones explained
that once the other project partners hear about the research on Springbrook, the project
will likely be put on hold until the City of Fridley decides what to do. This could end the
project since they are already behind schedule and in an extension of completion dates
with two major funders.
The Commission members had many comments and questions about the golf course
concept, wetland replacement requirements, and storm water management options.
3. OTHER BUSINESS:
a. Energy Audit
Ms. Kovacic and Mr. Svanda reported on the energy audits done on their homes. They
both had a good experience.
b. Nuclear Waste Storage
Ms. Jones distributed copies of an email from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance
regarding the Prairie Island nuclear waste storage bill. Ms. Jones said she knew the bill
failed to be passed in the hours of the final day of the regular legislative session
yesterday. However, she understood that the bill would be reintroduced during the special
session.
c. Skyweb Express
Mr. Rowan shared information about a new mass transit system called Skyweb Express
that Taxi 2000 Corporation in Fridley is promoting.
Plastic Bag Recycling
Ms. Johns asked if there was any news on plastic bag recycling.
Ms. Jones reported that Rainbow Foods has reinstated its recycling program for recycling
bags, and Wal-Mart is still maintaining its program for recycling bags.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Mr. Svanda, seconded by Ms. Kovacic, to adjourn the meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MINUTES
MAY 20, 2003 PAGE 4
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON JOHNS DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED AND THE MAY 20, 2003, ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY
COMMISSION MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:50 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Julie A. Jones
Staff Liaison