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EQECA 05/10/2011 - 6565'� MEETING PACKET Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Fi��1r Tuesday, May �o, zo��, 7- 8:45 P.M. AGENDA Location: Conference Room A(Upper Level) 7:00 Call to Order Ma� g�� aru.CGlta�G�-� -� rlV �uai�*� -�►�5 u��-t�� ,�- �-� v� . 7:03 Approve Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Minutes: Tuesday, January 11, 2011 New Business 7:05 Welcome New Commission Members 7:11 Updates on Organized Garbage Collection Study, Dr. Burns • Memo from Dr. Burns • Organized Garbage Collection Direct Mail Survey Question (Attached) 7:36 Annua149ers Parade - EQE Commission Participation Guidelines 7:46 2011 Comprehensive Plan Action Steps Related To Environment Old Business 8:05 Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area Rule Rewriting Process Update - Rachel Harris (Attached MPR Article) Staff Report 8:20 Conservation - Recycling Drop-off Day 8:25 Public Outreach Effort - Watershed Protection Successful Litter Pickup Next Meetin�slAnnouncements • 49ers Parade: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 6-8:30 p.m. At least 4 Commission members are needed. RSVP to Jack Velin, EQE Commission Chair. Location TBD near high school. • Tuesday, July 14, 7 p.m., Conference Room A • Annual Elections for Chair and Vice Chair wi11 be held in January Adj ourn 8:40 _ ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION ��TM�� FRIDLEY MUNICIPAL CENTER, 6431 UNIVERSITY AVE NE FRiDLEY TUESDAY, MARCH 8, zo��, 7- 8:45 P.M. Memo to: The EQE Commission � From: William W. Burns, City Manager�� Subject: Garbage Collection Questionnaire Date: 2-28-11 Since our .fanuary meeting, I have been working on a garbage questionnaire that we might mail to a randomly selected sample of about 2,500 Fridley residents. This would likely generate about a 20% response rate, or about 500 respondents. My thought is based on my concern that we are not bringing a potentially contentious debate on this issue into a Council meeting without first having a better idea of' where the community stands on this issue. Prior to today, I was prepared to limit the survey to one question. Today; however, I saw the opt- out proposal that is apparently being looked at in Maplewood. Although, I haven't taken time to discuss it with others, it looks like it's worth considering. Assuming that you also would like this option, I revised the survey to include an "organized with opt-out" option. Rachel I-tarris, �;nvironmental Planner, tells me thai 1 will have no more than twenty-iive minutes to discuss this with yc�u at your March 8th meeting. 1 look forward to using this opportunity to continue talking trash with you. Thank you. � I� ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION ��,�� FRIDLEY MUNICIPAL CENTER, 643� UNIVERSITY AVE NE F�d�� TUESDAY, MARCH 8, zo��, 7— 8:45 P.M. UPDATE ON GARBAGE COLLECTION STUDY Memo to: The Environmental Quality and Energy Commission From: Rachel Harris, F,nvironmental Ylanner Subject: Resident Survey - Organized Garbage Collection Date: 2-28-2011 Dr. Burns wrote the following survey question and has graciously agreed to share it before mailing it to 2,500 randomly selected utility bill customers. It is shown below. Dear John Q. Citizen: Fridley's Environmental Quality and Energy Commission (EQEC) has been studying different aspects of garbage collection systems. At their January meeting, they agreed to continue the study in 2011. They also agreed that as part of this study, they would ask a random sample of Fridley residents for their opinions on garbage collection systems. The selection of potential survey respondents was made through random selection of utility billing customers. You were one of the persons selected through this process. Now that you have been selected, we ask that you help us by reading the following introduction and answering the question below. The results of the survey will be discussed at a future EQEC meeting as well as in a future City newsletter article. Once you have completed the survey, we ask that you mail your response by using the enclosed envelope. If you wish to avoid the cost of postage, you may phone in your survey response to the City . Manager's Administrative Assistant, Roberta Collins at 572-3500. Alternatively, you may email your response along with your survey number to collinsr@ci.fridley.mn.us. Background - At an October, 2009 City Council meeting, a Fridley resident complained about the number of garbage trucks using City streets and asked that the City consider going to an "organized" collection system where the City, through a competitive bidding process, identifies one hauler to serve the whole City. This would be similar to the manner in which the City currently hires one recycling hauler to pick up recycled items throughout the City. It stands in contrast to the current "open" hauling system where each household selects its own garbage hauler. In response to this person and to others who raised this issue in neighborhood street construction meetings, the City published a December, 2009 newsletter article which asked people to report their feelings to Mayor Scott Lund. It also took the issue to the EQEC which agreed to study the two types of garbage collection systems. They then focused on different aspects of garbage hauling at five meetings in 2010. At their April meeting, they heard Sig Scheurle, a Planning Director from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) provide an overview of the issue as it has existed in Minnesota. In May, they heard City Attorney, Fritz Knaak assess state and local law as it relates to garbage collection. In July, they heard a panel of representatives from Blaine, Columbia Heights, and Robbinsdale tell how organized collection worked in their communities. In September, they heard two speakers discuss the environmental aspects of garbage collection systems. Finally, in November, the EQEC invited Fridley's haulers to share their points of view on organized vs. open collection systems. Generally, those speaking in favor of organized collection at the EQEC meetings say that having one garbage hauler who is selected through a competitive bidding process every few years will be cheaper for Fridley residents than a system where each resident negotiates separately with multiple haulers. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION CITYOF� FRIDLEY MUNICIPAL CENTER, 6431 UNIVERSITY AVE NE ��d�� TUESDAY, MARCH 8, zoi�, 7— 8:45 P.M. Proponents also argue that having one garbage hauler on all City streets rather than multiple haulers will save wear and tear on City streets and reduce the amount of air and noise pollution in the City's neighborhoods. The haulers appear to have somewhat different points-of-view depending upon whether they are local or national haulers. The local haulers are more fiercely protective of their right to do business in Fridley. They argue that they have spent years developing their customer base and that this base should not be arbitrarily eliminated. They also argue that competition among multiple haulers generates better service than a system where there is only one hauler. Although organized collection proponents argue that organized collection systems create a level playing field where all residents pay the same price for the same services, haulers argue that differences in pricing of services is part of America's free enterprise system. While there is other evidence that organized collection systems produce less carbon dioxide emissions from garbage truck engines than open collection systems, the haulers point out that they have made many environmentally friendly improvements to their garbage trucks. They also argue that evidence linking garbage trucks to wear and tear on streets is largely anecdotal; moreover, they say factors such a street design, driving habits, and age of streets are far more significant determinants of street wear and tear. Now that you've read this brief background on "organized" vs. "open" garbage collection, we'd like to ask you two questions. 1. Based on what you know, should the Fridley City Council implement an "organized" collection system whereby it selects one garbage hauler to serve all of Fridley through a competitive bidding process? Yes No 2. If you answered "no" to question #1, would you be willing to accept an organized collection system that alVowed you to opt out and stay with the hauler of your choice? Yes No Thank you very much for providing your response on this very important Fridley issue. � ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION CCiYQ� FRIDLEY MUNICIPAL CENTER, 643� UNIVERSITY AVE NE F�d�� TUESDAY, MARCH 8, zo», 7- 8:45 P.M. UPllATE ON GAKBAGE COLLECTION STUDY Memo to: 1'he Fnvironmental Quality and Energy Commission From: Rachel Harris, Environmental Planner Subject: Resident Comment on Past EQE Commission Meeting Datc: 2-28-2011 On February 7, 1Jr. Burns received a resident comment via email. I le requested that the comment be shared with the C;ommission. It is shown below. From: Nick Mavrogenis [mailto:nx2nmavrogenis@mindspring.com] Sent: Monday, February 07, 2011 12:57 PM To: Burns, Bill Subject: To Many Trucks for comfort On any one summer day there are 7 garbage trucks [ 3 for yard waste , 3 for garbage ] plus 1 recycling truck racing to the end of the cul de sack and back ouf [ equivalent to 14 trucks making a single pass. All within a small window of time - Wednesday AM - garbage day. It would be safer [ some of these trucks need not stop till they reach the single house near or at the end of the circle they service and race in and back outJ for kids playing, folks crossing the street to visits a neighbor or backing out of their driveway accustomed to little or no cross traffic most days and pre occupied with errand running... It would mean much less noise, less hydraulic fluid eating away at our new street, much less diesel exhaust and less space violation of our quiet traffic free suburban cul du sac living. The song birds might even move back to my front yard. It would also mean fewer squashed squirrels to pick up. It would make sense to have all 11 driveways on Briardale Ct NE serviced by one carrier. Currently 8 are ACE 2 are Waste Management and 1 is maybe Walters. I have 3 neighbors who cannot be bothered to join the others and give us 1 unified carrier yet they are the biggest offenders since they live on the circle and their carrier races in and races out on garbage day. Solutions. 1. Gov't points out the advantages to single carrier streets and encourages residents to organize their street where appropriate. This would give legitimacy to my street campaign. Maybe a personalized letter to these few (3) folks asking for their support and once again stating ali ihe advantages to them, the+r kids and the neighborhood 2. Gov't takes charge and simply divides up the city among the 3 current carriers with each having the same number of customers they currently have, but clustered for their efficiency and reduction of trucks traveling any one street. After a 1 year freeze customers would be free to switch carriers for any reason other than low intro teaser rates. The resulting savings to the carriers due to increased density and therefore efficiency would be split between the customer base and the carrier. Both would save money and the expense of customer flux due to pirating and simple rotation as they constantty steel each others customers with intro rates and no net gain. 3. An added bonus would be to have re-cycle pick up every other garbage day and cut my $28.16 yearly re-cycling cost and reduce weekly truck traffc even more. The 2 or 3 people who cannot live with out weekly recycling could be counseled on reducing there carbon foot print or a drop off site could be made available in the area [ at a gas or goc store] ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION �..n,��. FRIDLEY MUNICfPAL CENTER, 643� UNIVERSITY AVE NE �� TUESDAY, MARCH 8, zo��, 7— 8:45 P.M. Copy of correspondence with ACE ahead af getting a new street last summer. Note date with respect to the 3 hold outs. I believe my understudy on Briardale Road was successful in getting all to switch to their majority carrier. Begin forwarded message: �`x>rv��° tv1icF�ael Bay cmbay�a�esolic�+aste.cam� �a;�°�,.i>c,� f�eigh�rh€�d i�te ��:: ,�uly i4, 2{�10 i:59:33 pMl CC77 � �. t�ick Mavrc�er�is Nick, If we can get your neighbors to switch, we will offer a 3 year deal at minimum, You will all pay $12.00 + Taxes, year 1, $14 — year 2, $16 year 3. (E.G. As of today $12.00 =$14.34 with taxes, monthly) . As you know we bill every 2 months. • We offer vacation hold at no cost for those who are gone at least 2 weeks, and they must give us a retum date . • For those who have Yard Waste Service, we will offer it next year for $36.50, For those who have other carriers and are not going to get $$ back we will also extend free senrice for them thru the end of the year. • We also offer auto pay service, and paperless billing for those who choose not to get a paper bill and have it delivered electronically. Any other questions feel free to call anytime. Michael Bay Residential Sales Manager ACE Solid Waste Direct 763-242-0581 mbayCa�acesolidwaste.com ### � ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION �.�,��. FRIDLEY MUNICIPAL CENTER, 643� UNIVERSITY AVE NE F�� TUESDAY, MARCH 8, zo��, 7- 8:45 P.M. ORGANII.ED GARBAGE COLLECTION - AL'TERNATIVE MODELS Voluntary Organized Garbage Collection A local firm called Collaborative Network (CNet), coordinates a trash service buying group for building owners who are members. According to CNet, a group of 189 buildings in downtown St. Paul awarded all their business to one trash hauler, reducing their trash & recycling service cost by an average of 38.8%. CNet members have enjoyed a 4% increase over three years of trash and recycling service, far less than the increase seen by non-members. CNet contract negotiation works to mitigate price changes during the contract term, fuel surchar�e fees, and contract renewal terms, generally offering 1 year contracts instead of the standard 3 year contract. CNet also reviews member invoices for waste collection services to verify accuracy before payment is made by members. All members receive a monthly email conf rming that their bill is correct and noting any conections that were made. CNet Annual Membership Cost - no information provided Sales Agent: Dick Lambert (651) 483-1492 Organized (Garbage Collection System with Opt-Out Feature Source: Dan Krivit Consulting, December 2007 Dan Krivit surveyed his neighbors in December 2007 to ask how much they paid for trash hauling. l le also recommended that lhey join together to see if we could get a volume discount. As a group, we were offered rates that were (45%) lower than what neighbors had been paying for 35-gall�n service, (42% to S9%) lower for 65-gallon service, and (36% to 60%) lower for 95- gallon service. In their neighborhood in 2007, there is no question that having trash collection done by a single hauler would have saved money and some wear and tear on the streets and have a positive effect on air quality. However, he has observed many people in public hearings "vehemently oppose having the government tell them who will haul their trash." He saw Falcon Heights experience this opposiiion in 2004. Dan Krivit suggests an alternative trash collection system organized by the city that allows all homeowners the ability to opt out, effectively eliininating any argument that the government is reducing personal choice. The efficiency of the group service may persuade the holdouts to join. DNR misses deadline on Mississippi corridor rules � StarTribune.com � " � � � DNR misses deadline on Mississippi corridor rules Stev� Rice, Dml - Star i ribune The Mississippi River at Hidden Falls Park. Agency could now lose future authority to regulate development aloi�g 72 iniles of river. By NICOLE NORFLEET�, Star Tribune i_ast tapaate: Janu�ry �19, 2011 - 12:15 AM A year of work-group sessions, drafts, redrafts and heated debate on regulating development along the Mississippi River may have been for naught. The Minnesota Department of Natural Page 1 of 3 Resources, ardered by the Legislature to establish new rules for a 72-rnile stretch of tl7e river, missed a key deadline, meaning its authority to inake the rules has expired. Restarting the process would require the Legislature to grant the DNR more time, which soine say is highly unlikely. Moreover, legislation was introduced last week to eliminate the rulemaking process altogether. T'he area in question, the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA), stretches fi-om the Anoka County city of Ramsey to southeastern Dakota County. The rules, intended to standardize what is now a mishmash of local regulations, would dictate l�ow tall Uuildings can Ue in the corridor and how near to the top of a bluff a structure could be built, for instance. "It was disappointing to us, surely, that we weren't able to get updated, common-sense rules passed by the deadline," said Whitney Clark, executive director of Friends of the Mississippi River, an advocacy group deeply involved in the rulemalang. Clark said his organization had Iittle warning that the DNR would miss its deadline, which was 18 moriths after the effective date of the law esta.blishing the rulemaking process. _ :� � � � � ��._ �T�f�"TIAf� ,�47'' $�'9' R�i� �tt��7" ►+�r��ct �a� rcnx� �ae��, �iL"� L?(#VJi� C'E�f�i�l�,�7E id�i tki�!`` !��'S'�!C �r'�i� i�h:� Cfia 1 r ��v�r�.�� c� e�t��,v�! �� m•�ar.��' �;aa��,r+� �E L�aK+�T�?-fa ��i€ �,iirL� �f7?�r�� ll�� :�� ,�� E. .�^.i4$�El� * Fi�.►°N°�4 r�t��i�a�e.carr� ; Prini Pc�wered 8Y �r... �� r� � ��t�m��, . http://www.startribune.com/locaUsouth/114178304.html?e1r=KArks:DCiUocOaL nDaycU... 1/19/2011 DNR misses deadline on Mississippi corridor rules � StarTribune.com � � � � The agency missed the deadline because it laciced enough time to evaluate public input, said DNR hydrologist Jeff Berg, who helps 11ead the rulemakiizg project. Berg said 18 inonths wasn't a realistic time fiame to get all differences settled. "There's a pretty large gap in opinions," he said. The 2009 Legislature instructed the DNR to create the guidelines and appropriated $250,000 for tlle task in 2010 and again in 2011. Two DNR staff inembers led the project, and others worked oi1 it as well. They met with the staffs and officials from all 30 cities and townships inside the corridor, convened meetings and two open houses, created three drafts af the standards, and met with interest groups to get their comments. But some mtuiicipalities and lobbying groups complained that the DNR was overstepping its boundaries and not adequately balancing environmental protections and other local interests. Jan. 1 was the deadline for the DNR to �ublish notice of its intent to adopt the rules. Advertisement Under state statute, since notice was not given in time, the authority for the rules expired. Page 2 of 3 What happens next depends on the Legislature. It could do nothing, which would terminate the rulemaking process; repeal the legislation that directed the process, or authorize the DNR to continue. Help from the Capitol seems unlikely with Republicans in charge of the Legislature, Clark said. "Tf we could just go to the Legislature and tlie DNR could just get more time, we would be in support of this," he said. "I don't think there's a chance of that happening." Sen. Benjamin Kruse, R-Brooklyn Park, who introduced the bill to terminate the process, said that the rules would have been detrimental to residents. Residents "are kind of out in limbo right now. . .. What we want to do is get that cleared up for them," Kruse said. To Berg's knowledge, DNR management has not decided how to proceed, he said. The agency is working on a new draft of the rules that it hopes to complete this week. �. . ..�. �� "� �� G�� L . � C��rt+��rd}��a�rr �`��t� crCrr��st��rk��c�rn ��`� � �� .� ....�. �� r ��°,�r. _ ,. ��,�� €�rint Ptawered By �,�E-=>=,r��;;��.��.�,.,,g http:/lwww.startribune.com/locaUsouthJ114178304.html?elr--KArks:DCiUocOaL nDaycU... 1/19/201 i DNR misses deadline on Mississippi corridor rules � StarTribune.com ,� .. �.: . �. . �� .. _ YSp. . � .. � . . . Even if the rules aren't enacted, Berg said, the year was not a waste. "If the executive branch or the Legislature decides to take this up again, at least we will llave a starting point." Nicole Norfleet • 612-673-4495 Shortcuts To Links In Article 1. http:/lezuri.co/5c91 � , . _..�... �.:. �r ,, �.... ._ .. �� f�il��"', i��'�`��" �,�` ��; � a�,�� t��2�s. ��,r�� r��:��'�� r�� i �� . ��,��.�,��.� Page 3 of 3 �. ��' � �,��.� �� . �� M `�" {?rir�t �'�w�r�� C�Y �, .x � � �,. .,. � �s � i��r�� ::,,, hrip://www.startribune.com/local/south/114178304.html?elr=KArks:DCiUocOaL nDaycU... 1/19/2011 '_ unro� F[t4DLEY MEETING PACKET Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Tuesday, May �o, zo��, 7- 8:45 P.M. MEMORANDUM 1�Iemo to: Fridley EQEC � From: William W. Burns, City Manager �'� Subject: Solid Waste Collection Questionnaire Date: 5-4-11 Since our January meeting, I have been working on a solid waste questionnaire that we might mail to a randomly selected sample of about 2,500 Fridley residents. This would likely generate about a 20% response rate, or about 500 respondents. My thought is based'on my concern that we not bring an ugly debate on this issue into a Council meeting without having a better idea of where the community stands on this issue. Rachel telIs me that I will have no more than twenty-five minutes to discuss this with you at your May l Oth meeting in the fish bowl. T look forward to using this opportunity to continue talking trash with you. Thank you. ' u-rYa� FR(DLEY MEETING PACKET Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Tuesday, May to, zo�t, 7-$�45 P•M• from Blaine, Columbia Heights, and Robbinsdale tell how organized collection worked in their communities. In September, they heard two speakers discuss the environmental aspects of garbage collection systems. Finally, in November, the EQEC invited Fridley's haulers to share their points of view on organized vs. open collection systems. Generally, those speaking in favor of organized collection at the EQEC meetings say that having one garbage hauler who is selected through a competitive bidding process every few years will be cheaper for Fridley residents than a system where each resident negotiates separately with multiple haulers. Proponents also argue that having one garbage hauler on all City streets rather than multiple haulers will save wear and tear on City streets and reduce the amount of air and noise pollution in the City's neighborhoods. The haulers appear to have somewhat different points-of-view depending upon whether they are local or national haulers. The local haulers are more fiercely protective of their right to do business in Fridley. They argue that they have spent years developing their customer base and that this base should not be arbitrarily eliminated. They also argue that competition among multiple haulers generates better service than a system where there is only one hauler. Although organized collection proponents argue that organized collection systems create a level playing field where all residents pay the same price for the same services, haulers argue that differences in pricing of services is part of America's free enterprise system. While there is other evidence that organized collection systems produce less carbon dioxide emissions from gazbage truck engines than open collection systems, the haulers point out that they have made many environmentally friendly improvements to their garbage trucks. They also argue that evidence linking garbage trucks to wear and tear on streets is largely anecdotal; moreover, they say factors such a street design, driving habits, and age of streets are far more significant determinants of street wear and tear. Now that you've read this brief background on "organized" vs. "open" garbage collection, we'd like to ask you some questions. 1. Based on what you know, should the Fridley City Council implement an "organized" collection system whereby it selects one garbage hauler to serve all of Fridley through a competitive bidding process? Yes No 2. If you answered "no" to question #1, would you be willing to accept an organized collection system that was organized by collection district rather than on a city-wide basis? Yes No t� C1N OF FRtDLEY MEETING PACKET Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Tuesday, May �o, zo», 7- 8:45 P•�• MEMORANDUM Memo to: The Environmental Quality and Energy Cogp�ission From: Rachel Harris, Environmental Planner �j�l��' Subject: Resident Survey - Organized Garbage Collection Date: 5-4-2011 Dr. Burns wrote the following survey question and has graciously agreed to shaze it before mailing it to 2,500 randomly selected utility bill customers. It is shown below. Dear John Q. Citizen: Fridley's Environmental Quality and Energy Commission (EQEC) has been studying different aspects of garbage collection systems. At their January meeting, they agreed to continue the study in 201 l. They also agreed that as part of this study, they would ask a random sample of Fridley residents for their opinions on garbage collection systems. The selection of potential survey respondents was made through random selection of utility billing customers. You were one of the persons selected through this process. Now that you have been selected, we ask that you help us by reading the following introduction and answering the question below. The results of the survey will be discussed at a future EQEC meeting as well as in a future City newsletter article. Once you have completed the survey, we ask that you mail your response by using the enclosed envelope. If you wish to avoid the cost of postage, you may phone in your survey response to the City Manager's Administrative Assistant, Roberta Collins at 572-3500. Alternatively, you may email your response along with your survey number to collinsr@ci.fridley.mn.us. Background - At an October, 2009 City Council meeting, a Fridley resident compla.ined about the number of garbage trucks using City streets and asked that the City consider going to an "organized" collection system where the City, through a competitive bidding process, identifies one hauler to serve the whole City. This would be similar to the manner in which the City currently hires one recycling hauler to pick up recycled items throughout the City. It stands in contrast to the current "open" hauling system where each household selects its own gazbage hauler. In response to this person and to others who raised this issue in neighborhood street construction meetings, the City published a December, 2009 newsletter article which asked people to report their feelings to Mayor Scott Lund. It also took the issue to the EQEC which agreed to study the two types of garbage collection systems. They then focused on different aspects of garbage hauling at five meetings in 2010. At their April meeting, they heard Sig Scheurle, a Planning Director from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) provide an overview of the issue as it has existed in Minnesota. In May, they heard City Attorney, Fritz Knaak assess sta.te and local law as it relates to garbage collection. In July, they heard a panel of representatives Bill would cut Mississippi River protection plan � Minnesota Public Radio News NEWS THE CURRENT CLASSiCAL r� ��_ �� EVlember Supported • Join Now > Bill would cut Mississippi River protection plan by Stephanie itemphill, Minnesota Public Radio April A, 2on Events Member info Support Shop About us Monday, April 4, 2Dt 1 45' in Twin Cities (more cities) Weather Report � TraffFC Report > Page 1 of 2 Search M?R ' GO tlohde Newsletler; P,SS Feeds Podcas:s ��" ��,�$-cn� �� .°,L: PE'rS' F:74 St. Paul, Minn. — The 72-mile stretch of the Mississippi River that winds through the'l�vin Cities metro area is considered a treasure by people who love it. But a two-year-long effort to create new protections for it may be overturned by the Legislature. Lawmakers are responding to some residents, who say the�ve been left out of the planning process. But advocates say the new rules are the on]y way to make sure development along the river dcesni destroy its special character. The area is favorite place for people, but also for millions of birds, especiatfy in spring, said Whitney Clarlc, executive director of the Frienda of the Mississippi ltiver. Near Fort Snelling, not far from where the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers join southwest of downtown St. Paul, is Crosby Farm Regional Park It's a place where it's not unusual to see an eagle soars above the water before dropping to a bnnch on the wooded bluff across the river. At the top of the bluff, a three-story condo presenta a visual contrast to the natural setting. Clark said the building met the existing zoning rules when it was bu�7t less than io years ago, but its foundation is about a foot from the edge of the bluff, which is constaMly eroding. He considers it visually unappealing. 'The developer here was following the rules, and the rules werenY protective enough," he said 1 >' » '� Clark's group is one of severel pursuing rules that would prevent this ldnd of development along the river. The draft rules set standards on height and � distance from the river for new buildin q g P g {�` "`-�� "' �� gs, re uirements for controllin runoff in new develo ments, and restrictions on clearin land. ,�• . But the rules would also address non-aest6etic wncerns. Ciark said tAe river in the Ttvin Gtities is far from meeting state atandards for water quality. The Health Department advises people to limit their fish-eating as pollution from yards and streets flows through storm sewers right into the rivet. t3a1d et�ytes Four years ago, the state Department of Natural Resources hired Friends of the Mississippi River to conduct workshops to learn what peopk thought about the river. 'IWo years ago, the legislature directed the department to come up with a plan to protect the river.lfie DNR worked with interest groups and local gavemments for a year and a half to try to hash out rules everyone could accept. Then it ran up against a state deadliue that allows only i8 moaths for such rule-making efforts. In January the work stopped in its tracks. Now some legislators want to stop this project and any future special rules for the ltvin (.tities srea seetion of the river. State Sen. Benjamin Kruse, R-Brooklyn Park, who sponsored a bill that would strip the DNR of authority to ever make such rulea for the river. He said people and basinesses along the river already take care of it because they recognize its specia] value, "not just in the natural resource itself but financially." "Even if you have to boil it down to that, they understand that caring for this river, caring for the shoreline, is fundamentai to preserving tAeir property vaJoes," Rru� said. A citizens group called Mississippi River Stewards backs the bill. The group's founder, Roger Rruse — no relation to Sen. Benjamin Kruse — said the DNR proposals represent a power grab by the state, and onerous restrictions. http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2011 /04/04/mississippi-river-protections/ 4/4/2011 Bill would cut Mississippi River protection plan ( Minnesota Public Radio News Page 2 of 2 "I knew a person who had a five-acre parcel near where I live, who planned on putting multiple homes," Roger Kruse said. "1 don't remember how many was going to go on it, but according to the way the new rules were written he could put two houses on this parcel. It would bankrupt him," Roger Kruse said the DNR resisted public input. But department officials say they bent over backward to include as many people as possible — that's one reason tt�e agency humped against the deadline. DNR hydrologist Jeff Berg said the agency wants more time to continue the work, and to try to satisfy everybody. Siyhttiraes nn the ��.ye got e lot of involvement from local governments, business interests, and environmental organizations," Berg said. "So I think we had the right people A9ississi��ni C:i��er at table. You could pick up tomorrow, next year, a couple years from now, and it's still a good starting point." But so far there's no bill at the Legislature to give the DNR more time. The bill to strip the DNR's rulemaldng authority has passed the Senate. It has yet to be heard in the House. Rewmmsnd 6 �oP� recommend this. Broadcast Dates Moming Edition, o4.!�a/2ni �, �:as a.m. SPONSORS � c o u n � c a &""'N'�""o ""�" +� GEHTER �� http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2011 /04/04/mississippi-river-protections/ 4/4/2011 Notice: RCWD seeking CAC applications The Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) is seeking applications for membership on its Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC). The RCWD is particularly interested in reviewing applications from members of the agricultural community and/or residents from the portion of the RCWD within Hennepin County. CAC members are appointed by the RCWD Board of Managers for 1-year terms. Previously appointed members may continue to serve on the committee beyond the initial one-year term at will. RCWD's CAC currentiy.meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Lino Lakes City Hall. However, there are no meetings in luly or December. The District encompasses approximately 186 square miles of urban and rural land in parts of Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington Counties and contains 39 lakes and numerous ditches, marshes, wetlands and wildlife areas. The purpose of the CAC is to advise and assist the managers on all matters affecting the interests of the district and make recommendations to the managers on all contemplated projects and improvements in the district. Members are also asked to keep current on water-related issues in their community and relay this information to the district. The Deadline for applications is January 28, 2011. For more information or to request an application please contact the RCWD at (763) 398-3070 or visit our website, www.ricecreek.org. Minnesota Statutes: Section 103D.331 Advisory committee Subdivision 1. Purpose. The managers must annually appoint an advisory committee to advise and assist the managers on all matters affecting the interests of the watershed district and make recommendations to the managers on all contemplated projects and improvements in the watershed district. Subd. 1a. Duties. For purposes of carrying out its duties under this section the advisory committee shall: (1) elect a chair from its membership; (2) elect a recorder from its membership; (3) establish a meeting schedule, which at a minimum meets annually; (4) consider issues pertinent to the functions and purposes of the watershed district; (5) review and comment on reports, minutes, activities, and proposed projects of the managers; and (6) report to the managers the general content of advisory committee meetings and resulting recommendations. _ Subd. 2. Members. (a) The advisory committee consists of at least five members. If practicable, the advisory committee rnembers selected should include a representative from each soil and water conservation district, a representative of each county, a member of a sporting organization, and a member of a farm organization. Other advisory committee members may be appointed at the discretion of the managers. The members mu5t be residents of the watershed district, except representatives from soil and water conservation districts and counties, and serve at the pleasure of the managers. (b) In addition, the managers may appoint other interested and technical persons who may or may not reside within the watershed district to serve at the pleasure of the managers. Subd. 3. Expense reimbursement. The managers may reimburse members of the advisory committee for actual traveling and other necessary expenses incurred in the performance of duties in the amount as provided for state employees. Laws 1990, c. 391, art. 4, § 24. Amended by Laws 1995, c. 199, § 15 APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CAC) RICE CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT Name: Address: City/State/Zip: County: Email: Phone #'s: Home: Work: Are you a resident of the RCWD? [] Yes, Years: Membership Category(ies): [] Soii & Water Conservation District Supervisor [ ] County Board Member [ ] City or Town Official [ ] Sportsmen's Organization Member [ ] Agriculture [ ] Citizen [ ] Other: Cell: [ ] No Qualifications: (May include education, occupation, volunteer experiences, etc.) Civic, Professional & Community Activities: (past and present) Reasons for wanting to serve on this committee: Other comments: Signature: Return form to: Rice Creek Watershed District 4325 Pheasant Ridge Drive NE #611 Blaine, MN 55449 Date: Fax: (763) 398-3088 Phone: (763) 398-3070 Earth Day Litter Pick-up � Other Earth Day Litter Pick-up Page 1 of 1 � Thank you to the fourteen volunteers who helped celebrate Earth Day with a litter cleanup at the popular Moore Lake Park on Saturday, April 23, from 9 am - 12 noon. The event was initiated in 2011 to draw attention to the water quality improvement needs of Fridley's lakes and streams and the effects that individual actions have on urban water quality. Volunteers Appreciated At Earth Day Litter Cleanup Volunteers filled eight trash bags with dozens of cigarette butts, candy wrappers, papers and plastic items found at Moore Lake Park's swimming beach, shoreline and picnic shelters. Presented by the City of Fridley Stormwater, Parks Maintenance and �nmmunity Development Departments in partnership with Allied Waste, ., Rice Creek Watershed District and Fridley Women of Today. Last Updated on Tuesday, 26 April 2011 09:09 http://www.ci.fridley.mn.us/earth-day-litter-pick-up/print 5/10/2011