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EQE 12/08/2009 - 29864Call to Order MINUTES ENVIRONNIENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY CONINIISSION MEETING TLTESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2009, 8:00 P.M. Chairperson Velin called the meeting to order at 8:05 p.m. Roll Call Members Present Members Absent: Others Present: Anne Andrews, Rich Svanda, 7ack Velin, Paul Westby Denise Milks, Barb Johns, Tina Nelson Rachel Harris, Environmental Planner APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 13, 2009, ENVIRONIVIENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MINUTES: MOTION by Ms. Andrews seconded by Mr. Svanda to approve the October 13, 2009, Environmental Quality & Energy Commission minutes. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON VEL1N DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. STAFF REPORT Fridley Northstar Station Grand Opening Ms. Harris reported that the November 14 Fridley Northstar Station Grand Opening was a well attended community event with over 1,000 people enjoying live music from the Fridley City Band, short speeches from Mayor Lund, Anoka County Commissioner 7im Kordiak and Counties Transit Improvement Board Chair Peter McLaughlin. About 700 people boarded the train at the Fridley station for a roundtrip ride to downtown Minneapolis. Mr. Velin said he had a chance to ride the train. He recognized many other community members on the train that day. He said he likes the quietness of the ride and is surprised by the speed — it gets up to 45 mph. Ms. Andrews asked about where to park at the station and if parking was free. Mr. Velin said there is parking on 61gt Way and East River Road and 61gt Avenue and Main Street. Mr. Svanda said the parking was free of charge and riding the train was the way to go if you work Page � 1 downtown. Paper Shredding Success Ms. Harris said there were eleven paper shredding events in 2009 and a total of 38,390 pounds or 19.2 tons of paper was collected and shredded. She noted that before each event she received several phone calls from people who wanted to know when and where the event would take place and if it was open to the public. She thought those calls seemed to be from first-time participants. Although the service was well used there will be fewer events in 2010 due to a lower recycling rebate being generated from the recycling contract. Ms. Andrews said maybe a storage facility was getting cleaned out and that's why there was a lot of paper from one participant. Volunteer Recognition Ms. Harris wished to acknowledge the contributions of each Environmental Quality and Energy Commission (EQEC) member in the past year and she looks forward to more active discussions about environmental policy and planning in the upcoming year. Ms. Harris asked the commissioners to share their highlights from the past year. Mr. Westby said walking in the 49ers Parade and talking to people about recycling at the parade is his favorite activity. Mr. Svanda enjoys how well the EQE commissioners are received by the parade watchers. He likes to see the enthusiasm of the crowd. Ms. Andrews said the commission seems to focus on recycling. What about other topics like energy? What does the Council think? Ms. Harris said that the EQEC serves in an advisory role to the Environmental Planner. The topics that come up at the commission meetings are reflective of the projects she is assigned to work on. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business to report. NEW BUSINESS Discussion of Possible Revision to City Code Chapter 6, Commission Guidelines Mr. Velin introduced the topic and said it was tabled at the last meeting. He reopened the discussion. The commission had not made a recommendation on a name change or a change in the number of inembers. Ms. Harris reported that a copy of Fridley City Code, Chapter 6 was included in the meeting packet and we are meeting tonight to review and consider Section 5, paragraph 2. Page � 2 Mr. Svanda confirmed that the EQE Commission would alter their meeting schedule and meet every other month in 2010 beginning in 7anuary. Mr. Velin relayed that the Commission would follow the same reporting guidelines as the Park and Recreation Commission. That we'll send land use and environmental issues to the Planning Commission, but other items go straight to the City Council. Consider Schedule for 2010 Recycling Drop-offs, Paper Shredding and Environmental Education Events Ms. Harris reported that she has set the schedule for the Recycling Drop-offs and Paper Shredding events in 2010. Recycling Drop-offs will be held on the second Saturday of April and October; that is the same schedule that was used in 2009. Paper Shredding events will be held on the first Saturday in April, May, October and November. Ms. Andrews asked about prices. Ms. Harris said the pricing structure is estimated at $15 per each appliance and electronics. The complete price list and list of items accepted is available on the city's website. SNC-Fridley-Spring Lake Park 2010 Yard and Garden Get-Together Ms. Harris said there is a proposal for an Earth Day- and outdoor activity- themed community event that would be coordinated by staff at Fridley, Spring Lake Park and the Springbrook Nature Center. The event would be held on Apri124 at a time yet to be determined. Ms. Harris said the event is a volunteering opportunity for the commissioners. OTHER BUSINESS There was no other business to report. ADJOURNIVIENT MOTION by Ms. Andrews, seconded by Mr. Westby to adjourn the meeting. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON VEL1N DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE DECEMBER 8, 2009, ENVIRONIVIENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:51 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Rachel A. Harris Environmental Planner and Staff Liaison Page � 3