EQE 01/09/2007 - 29853�_�� CITY OF FRIDLEY
������ ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MEETING
����-� TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2007, 7:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER:
Vice-Chairperson Velin called the January 9, 2007, meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present
Members Absent:
Others Present
Jack Velin (Vice-Chairperson), Del Jenkins, Anne Andrews, Paul
Westby, Rich Svanda, Tina Nelson
Barb Johns (Chairperson)
Rachel Harris, Environmental Planner
Bob Dahm of Organic Bob Lawn Care
APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 12, 2006, ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY
COMMISSION MINUTES:
MOTION by Commissioner Svanda, seconded by Commissioner Jenkins to approve the
December 12, 2006, Environmental Quality & Energy Commission minutes.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON-ELECT VELIN DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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STAFF REPORT
Ms. Harris announced that she received a resignation letter from Chairwoman Johns. The
current term ends on April 1, 2007. We'll need to elect a chair to complete the term.
Vice-Chair Velin asked for nominations.
Jenkins indicated that he is interested.
Andrews nominated Jenkins for Chair.
Velin said he is also interested.
Svanda nominated Velin for Chair.
Jenkins stated that he would step aside.
Velin nominated Jenkins for Vice-Chair
The Commission voted to elect Velin to finish the Chair term and Jenkins to complete the
Vice-Chair term.
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Can I have a green lawn without chemicals and what is organic lawn care?
Velin introduced the topic and guest speaker, Bob Dahm of Organic Bob Lawn Care.
Dahm said an organically treated lawn will green up earlier in the spring than a chemically
treated lawn. It also needs less water during the heat of summer because the root system is
Minutes, Page 1 of 3
stronger and retains water better. He uses a combination of techniques to organically treat
lawns: aerating, corn gluten, ComposTea, fertilizer and grass seeding.
Andrews asked if after only one year there is a noticeable difference with the use of organic
lawn care.
Dahm said there is and the lawn will be more drought resistant and will looker greener and
healthier. After two years, the lawn will have a thicker growth. Part of the success of organic
lawn care is that the soil gains a correct pH balance. Then, grass has a better chance of
surviving and requires less maintenance. If you want to neutralize road salts left on your yard,
use calcium to neutralize the salt's ion charge. If the salt is left on the lawn, it will kill the
microbes that create a healthy lawn.
Westby asked Dahm to compare the costs of chemical lawn treatment versus organic lawn
treatment.
Dahm said in the long term organics is cheaper because there is less time spent applying
treatment and you save money in time saved. But, the first, second and third seasons are
more costly.
Andrews asked is the public could buy the fertilizer mixture "ComposTea" that Dahm uses in
his business.
Dahm said that this product is only available to the trade and not to the public. This product
results in a unique microbial treatment for lawn health.
OLD BUSINESS
Annual Sustainability Award Program Application
Harris said that the Commission came up with an application reviewer form at the last
meeting, but still needed to make an application form for the companies or individuals will use
to apply for the award.
Nelson suggested that the application should look like the MN GREAT application that the
State of Minnesota uses to judge sustainability projects of interested businesses and
government agencies. She noted they have already created a form and it works.
2007 Recycling Drop-offs Schedule
Harris invited discussion about the proposed recycling drop-off schedule. There are four
Saturdays selected for drop-offs. The events will be held every other month starting in April
and ending in October. Residents will have 4 opportunities to get rid of electronics,
appliances, tires and vehicle batteries. She is working on updating the web pages to reflect
this news. The web page can be found at www.ci.fridley.mn.us/recycle.
Svanda asked if this information will be in the newsletter.
Harris responded that a newsletter article will come out shortly with the same information.
OTHER BUSINESS
December Service Exchange Fund: Recycling Rebate Report
Harris shared the December 2006 recycling revenue report. The City earned $10,108.62 from
159.3 tons of high quality materials that residents set out in the curbside program. This money
will be used to pay for future recycling services, such as Recycling Drop-off days.
Medical Waste Report
Minutes, Page 2 of 3
Harris said that she has not received the December Medical Waste report from Anoka County
Environmental Services. She is awaiting a response to her request for a copy of the report.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Jenkins, seconded by Svanda, to adjourn the meeting.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON-ELECT VELIN DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED AND THE JANUARY 9, 2007, ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY
COMMISSION MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:35 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Rachel A. Harris
Environmental Planner and Staff Liaison
Minutes, Page 3 of 3