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EQECM 01/14/2014 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION Fridley Municipal Center, 6431 University Ave Ne Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014, 7:00 p.m. Minutes Conference Room A (Main Level) Location: Call to Order Chairperson Jack Velin called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Commission members present: Courtney Elford, Sam Stoxen, Eric Boyles, Todd Olin, Jack Velin and Rich Svanda Staff present: Kay Qualley, Environmental Planner Minutes Approval Approved Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Minutes: Dec. 11, 2013. There was no discussion and no corrections to the minutes as written. MOTION by Commissioner Elford, seconded by Commissioner Stoxen to approve the minutes as submitted. Motion passed unanimously. New Business GreenStep Cities Environmental Planner, Kay Qualley attended another Green Step Cities program at the League of Minnesota Cities office in St. Paul. As part of the steps to becoming recognized as a GreenStep city, depending on the city structure, work may start mostly at the city staff, then citizen EQE commission level and could fit well into existing plans and efforts, like the City’s Active Transportation plan, TOD, etc.. The League is presenting periodic GreenStep City seminars so that existing Cities whether they are in the first step stage or just considering becoming a GreenStep City can become familiar with GreenStep best practices. Ms. Qualley explained that tonight’s speaker, Diana McKeown, is leading some of these segments on Solar Energy, Energy Efficiency. Cities achieve GreenStep City status by first passing a resolution to become a GreenStep City. If, for instance, the EQEC endorses it and brings it forward to Council, and Fridley ends up embarking on it, Step 2 involves implementing program Best Management practices as outlined on their web site. Some GreenStep City best management practices include Solid Waste reduction, Stormwater, Economic Development and Building management. Qualley stated that regarding the Municipal Building and Public Works, a study is underway to evaluate where systems upgrades are needed and so that portion of GreenStep, at least, would need to wait until those consultants have concluded their work, if the Commission decides to move forward with GreenStep’s first step: presenting it to Council with an endorsement. Home and Garden Show th Fridley will be represented at the Home and Garden Show on January 25. The booth will include a recycling display, and stormwater reduction and raingarden materials from Coon Creek and Rice Creek Watershed Districts. The speaker was detained so the EQEC moved on to Other and Old Business. Other Procedures and Practices Roberts Rules of Order is being replaced for Council use by Rosenberg’s Rules of Order, Revised. A copy of the Rosenberg rules was distributed for review by the Commissioners but it is best viewed on-line. These rules might simplify the way motions are entertained and amended. Election of Chair and Vice Chair of EQEC for 2014. Chairperson Velin opened the floor for nominations for Chair for 2014. Commissioner Boyles nominated Commissioner Olin who indicated his willingness to serve. Discussion commenced for the position of Vice Chair. Commissioner Elford stated that she would be willing to serve as Vice Chair. Chairperson Velin called for a vote regarding the election of Commissioners Olin and Elford as Chairperson and Vice Chair, respectively and they were unanimously elected. Staff person Qualley stated that the Chair holds a seat on the Planning Commission as well. Commissioner Olin said that he would have some time conflicts with the frequency of Planning Commission meetings compared to the 6 meetings held annually by the EQE. Commissioner Elford mentioned that she would work closely with Chairperson- Elect Olin to attend the Planning Commission in his stead, where possible. Old Business Short update on Organized Collection Environmental Planner, Kay Qualley stated that the group (City and Haulers) working on a th proposal for Fridley Organized Collection met January 7 from 2-4 p.m. and that they would th next meet on January 28 from 1-3 p..m. The Hauler group spent most of this time meeting among themselves, because they needed time for discussions about the issues internal to the Hauler group. They will make recommendations and review their key points at meetings to follow. It was agreed that the 60-day negotiation period from Statute 115A.94 is a minimum guideline and that it is important for both groups to be thorough, prior to presenting the findings to the City Council. Additional New Business Guest Speaker: Diana McKeown, Director of the Metro Clean Energy Resource Team Energy Programs and Accelerating Community Energy Efforts was welcomed. Ms McKeown provided an encompassing introduction into the work that the Great Plains Institute does, Metro Clean Energy Resource Team programs and she briefly discussed the goals of Minnesota GreenStep Cities. The benefits to that program could create more resilient cities, improve the efficient use of resources, work toward a healthier environment and promote a more Active Community. Ms McKeown handed out a notice of the upcoming seminar “Making Connections: Energy Trends and Our Vital Local Economy. This flyer stated that the seminar will be held February 6, from 8-4 at the Dakota Lodge at Thompson County Park in West St. Paul and is sponsored by the Metropolitan Energy Policy Coalition, Next Meetings/Announcements Tuesday, March 11, 2014, 7 p.m., Conference Room A (Main Level) MOTION TO ADJOURN. Motion was made to adjourn by Commissioner Boyles and seconded by Commissioner Olin to adjourn.