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EQE 08/12/2008 - 30956�__� MINUTES ����'�� ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION �rtt�a��r MEETING TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2008, 7:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Velin called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. ROLL CALL Members Present: Anne Andrews, Barb Johns, Denise Milks, Tina Nelson, Rich Svanda, 7ack Velin, Members Absent: Paul Westby Others Present: Rachel Harris, Environmental Planner APPROVAL OF APRIL 08, 2008, ENVIRONNIENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MINUTES: MOTION by Mr. Svanda seconded by Ms. Johns to approve the April 08, 2008, Environmental Quality & Energy Commission minutes. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON VEL1N DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. STAFF REPORT Ms. Harris reported that there is a new way to take advantage of compact fluorescent bulb recycling. Both Home Depot and Menards in Fridley are accepting compact fluorescent bulbs for recycling. At both stores, bring the CFLs to the customer service counter. Ms. Johns suggested that the City advertise the CFL recycling opportunity on the website and on cable television. Ms. Nelson wondered if people knew that they needed to recycle CFLs. Mr. Svanda mentioned that Best Buy accepts up to two (2) electronic waste items per person per day. Ms. Harris recalled that she and three commission members participated in walking in the 49ers Day Parade. We need at least five people to walk in the parade to make it a success. Page � 1 Ms. Harris had to recruit one of the block captains at the last minute in order to have enough people to hand out the trinkets. Then, Ms. Johns recruited her son, Andy, and his friend, to assist. With the additional help, nearly 3,000 pencils and carabineers were handed out to a wide age-range of parade goers. Ms. Harris asked the Commissioners to review five samples of Fridley Recycling logos. Two of the logos showed the traditional chasing arrow recycling symbol with the words "City of Fridley" and the remaining three logos displayed a leaf with the letter "F" and the words "Fridley Recycles". Ms. Nelson observed that our target audience would more easily recognize the traditional chasing arrow symbols. Mr. Svanda appreciated the leaf version in green. Mr. Velin said the leaf version with the words "Fridley Recycles" is easier to understand. Ms. Andrews thought the traditional chasing arrows symbol with the words "City of Fridley" was helpful. Mr. Velin called for a show of hands to choose a recycling logo design. Five commissioners favored the leaf design and one commissioner favored the chasing arrows symbol. Ms. Harris shared results of the Paper Shredding Events from the past nine months. At least one ton of paper, or two thousand pounds, had been collected at each paper shredding event. Residents, young and old, have been thankful for the service. Ms. Harris has plans to continue this service through 2009. Ms. Harris updated the commissioners on the progress of 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The Plan is scheduled to be voted on at the September 13, Council meeting. Ms. Milks inquired about the Plan. As a new commission member, she is unfamiliar with the comprehensive plan process. Ms. Nelson, who works in industrial wastewater for the Metropolitan Council, the government agency that reviews the municipal comprehensive plan process, gave a summary. The council reviews the comprehensive plans of local governmental units to determine their compatibility and conformity with metropolitan system plans. Ms. Harris noted that the Minnesota Land Planning Act requires cities to develop comprehensive plans and update them every ten years. The purpose of the plan is to aid the Metropolitan Council's task of ensuring adequate water/sewer services, transportation infrastructure, and open space planning. NEW BUSINESS Sustainability Indicators Ms. Harris said that in order to help start the discussion about creating sustainability Page � 2 indicators for the City of Fridley, she included those of Minneapolis in the Commissioner's meeting packet. Mr. Svanda suggested that Fridley would not likely use the same list of indicators since the scope of the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission does not include police or job growth services. Ms. Harris agreed. The topics of air quality, tree canopy, water quality, permeable surfaces, transportation and public education are more appropriate for this commission to discuss. Ms. Nelson thought that Fridley could consider the air quality sustainability indicator by addressing fuel type for city vehicles. Mr. Svanda said that we could include tree canopy, as well, especially considering the recent reports of ash trees falling ill due to the emerald ash borer. Ms. Johns added that water quality is a good one to include in the list of indicators. The commission has frequently discussed the application of herbicide and pesticide chemicals on city property. Mr. Velin, in considering permeable surfaces, noted that our engineering requirements call for stormwater ponds. Ms. Johns suggested that we allow green roofs. Mr. Velin suggested that commissioners and residents tour the Springbrook Nature Center or the material recycling facility where Fridley's recycling is handled. Ms. Harris asked for feedback on farmers markets. Mr. Velin thought Bob's Produce might object. Ms. Nelson has seen a farmers market in Columbia Heights at the Immaculate Conception church. She knows that Coon Rapids has one, also. Mr. Velin said Spring Lake Park has a farmers market. Ms. Harris asked commissioners to provide input on transportation and trail connectivity. Mr. Velin thinks it is important to continue developing and maintaining trails throughout the city. Ms. Nelson said she has seen a lot of people biking now with the higher gas prices. 2009-2010 Workplan Ms. Harris offered a 2009 workplan template for commission member to fill out and suggested that commissioners consider sustainability indicators as they develop the workplan. Page � 3 Mr. Svanda suggested that staff compile sustainable indicators into the work plan format and present them to the commission. Mr. Svanda also suggested that the commission table this topic and return to it at the ne�t meeting after having had more time to think about it. APPROVAL OF TABLING THE 2009-2010 WORKPLAN UNTIL THE NEXT MEETING. MOTION by Mr. Svanda, seconded by Ms. Nelson, to approve tabling the 2009-2010 workplan until the ne�t meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON VEL1N DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. OLD BUSINESS Memo on Herbicide Application on City Property Mr. Velin asked Ms. Harris to give a report. Ms. Harris said the memo about herbicide application on city property came from Jim Kosluchar, Public Works Director/City Engineer and was written by Dave Lindquist, Parks Maintenance Supervisor. The memo was included in the March 2008 meeting packet. Ms. Harris noted that commissioners wanted to further discuss the possibility of demonstrating an area of city land as a test project in 2009. In going forward, the city will respond to the needs of the residents. If the residents call and complain about weeds in the parks, then the city will look for ways to remove the weeds. To date, not one person has called in to say that they like, or don't mind weeds, in the parks. In the memo to the commissioners, Mr. Kosluchar suggested that the city might consider testing a small area with no herbicide or pesticide applications as a pilot project. Though no definite location has been considered, the pilot project area would likely be located on part of the public works grounds. If the commissioners wish to demonstrate an area of a park, the Parks Commission will need to weigh in on the suggestion. Mr. Svanda sounded enthusiastic about the possibility of a pilot project. Ms. Johns concurred about the test project idea and wondered how soon the pilot could start. Referring to the memo the commission received from the Public Works Director, Mr. Svanda suggested that Briardale Park, near his house, be used as a test plot instead of an out of the way spot near a water tower. He said that the people who use the tennis and basketball courts at the park can experience firsthand the benefits of no chemical applications. Ms. Milks said that was near her house, too. Page � 4 . . y CONSIDERATION OF BRIARDALE PARK, 6171 RICE CREEK DRIVE, AS THE TEST PLOT FOR ZERO CHEMICAL APPLICATIONS DURING A TWELVE MONTH SPAN. MOTION by Mr. Svanda, seconded by Ms. Johns, to approve consideration of Briaxdale � Park, 6171 Rice Creek Drive, as the test plot for zero chemical applications during a twelve month span. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON VELIN DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Ms. Harris asked whether Mr. Svanda would consider serving as a neighborhood contact in case nearby residents had questions about the project. Mr. Svanda indicated that he would be willing to answer questions about the project. Commission Member and Vice Chair Changes Chairperson Velin summarized the recent commission changes. Mr. Jenkins recently transferred to the Appeals Commis�ion. His vacant seat has been filled by a new commission member and Mr. Westby replaced Mr. Jenkins as Vice Chair. Mr. Westby's vice chair term will run May 2008 — Apri12009. Chairperson Velin welcomed the newest Environmental Quality and Energy Commission member Denise Milks. Ms. Milks has lived in Fridley for two and a half years. Her interest in the environment and a desire to get involved in the community led her to apply for the vacant seat on this commission. OTHER BUSINESS 2008-1 Curbside Recycling Tonnage Report Ms. Harris reported that Fridley is on track to meet its annual recycling goal. Anoka County Environmental Services Report Mr. Velin observed the medical waste facility needed to comply with two requirements. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Ms. Andrews, seconded by Mr. Svanda to adjourn the meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON VELIN DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE AUGUST 12, 2008, ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:17 P.M. espect✓� submitted, , �Rachel A. Harris Environmental Planner and Staff Liaison Page�S