EQECM 07/09/2013
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION
Fridley Municipal Center, 6431 University Ave Ne
Minutes
Tuesday, July 9, 2013, 7:00 p.m.
MINUTES
Conference Room A (Main Level)
Location:
Call to Order
Chairperson Velin called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
Commission members present: Courtney Ehlers, Todd Olin, Rich Svanda, Jack Velin and
Sam Stoxen.
Introduction of new member Sam Stoxen
Approval of Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Minutes: May 14, 2013
MOTION
by Commissioner Svanda and seconded by Commissioner Ehlers to approve the
May 14, 2013, minutes.
New Business
Discussion of apartment recycling plans.
Staff discussed Tech Dump programming to target the largest apartment complexes for
recycling of electronics and appliances through small events in late August through early
October.
Anoka County Solid Waste Abatement staff changes.
Environmental Planner Qualley informed the Commissioners that the position held by
Carolyn Smith as head of Recycling operations in Anoka County would not be filled and
departmental re-organization was taking place.
Report on the June Raingarden Seminar.
The Star Tribune article boosted attendance at the first Raingarden Seminar creating interest
in the event. Approximately forty people attended and staff from Rice Creek Watershed
District, Coon Creek Watershed District and Anoka Conservation District attended. Mitch
Haustein from Anoka Conservation District provided an excellent presentation and Kay
Qualley from the City also contributed a PowerPoint segment on native plants suitable for
raingarden usage. Staff will contact those individuals who expressed an interest in
raingardens, as time is available to check their properties for suitability for curbside
raingarden installation.
2013-2014 EQEC Focus
Commissioners discussed the focus for the EQEC for the following year and decided that
energy would be the main emphasis. Commissioner Olin stated that Excel and Centerpoint
have programs and speakers available as well as outreach programs. Questions arose about
existing City ordinances and what constraints exist regarding alternative residential energy
systems. Commissioner Svanda is interested in the ordinances.
Commissioner Ehlers stated that sales of rain barrels should be pursued. Next was discussion
about where garbage haulers are at in regard to offering residential food removal to be used
for composting.
Other
Discussion about making the April Drop-off date earlier in the month ensued. Tech Dump
was disappointed in the tonnage amounts from the event. It was recommended by
Commissioner Olin to push the date back later for better weather. General support by the
Commission was expressed with the condition that the event not take place on Mother’s Day
or the date of the fishing opener.
Short discussion about cycling to work and the Commute Solutions Business Survey for the
Active Transportation plan.
Chairperson Velin stated that participation in the 49ers Day Parade should have happened.
Input was received from the Commissioners on business recycling, stating that the City
should get credit for Fridley’s liquor store recycling. Staff explained that Sue Doll from
Anoka County is in charge of Business recycling for the city of Fridley but that question
about is it a business or part of municipal recycling can be asked. Municipal tonnage is not
currently part of the tonnage goal but the City is to recycle at least half of everything it
purchases.
Old Business
Organized Collection Update
The Minnesota Legislature has adopted a new law regarding organized solid waste
collection. The new law replaces the 180-day process for adopting organized collection with
a 60-day negotiation period. The law (Chapter 45) states that the steps involved are Notice to
public and licensed collectors; after Notice a 60-day negotiation period is created to allow
collectors to develop a proposal. If the City does not reach an agreement with its licensed
collectors during the negotiation period it can form-by resolution-an “organized collection
options committee” to study various methods of organizing collection and issue a report.
Council appoints the committee members and this committee is subject to the Open Meeting
Law. Next is public notice, public hearing, and implementation: City must provide public
notice and hold at least one public hearing before deciding to implement organized
collection. Organized collection cannot begin until at least six months after the effective date
of the city’s decision to implement organized collection.
Next Meetings/Announcements
Tuesday, September 10, 2013, 7 p.m., Conference Room A (Main Level)
MOTION TO ADJOURN
The Motion was made by Commissioner Svanda and seconded by Commissioner Ehlers to
adjourn the meeting at 8:31 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kay M. Qualley
Environmental Planner
City of Fridley