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EQEM 03/07/2017 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION Fridley Municipal Center, 6431 University Ave Ne March 7, 2017, 7:00 p.m. Location: City Hall, Conference Room a In attendance: Commissioners Mark Hansen (Chairman), Justin Foell (Vice Chairman), Commissioners Sam Stoxen, Jack Velin, Heidi Ferris, Paul Westby and Nick Olberding. Call to Order Chairman Hansen called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Approve Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Minutes th After Commissioners reviewed the February 15, 2017 minutes, and after two minor corrections to Item 1 by Chairman Hansen, a motion was entertained by Commissioner Velin and seconded by Commissioner Westby to approve as corrected. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 15TH, 2017 MINUTES, AS AMENDED. New Business 1) Fridley Bike & Hike, June 3, 2017. Ideas were sought about what the event could feature this year. Adding a canoe (paddle) aspect as soon as is practicable was highly desirable, based on discussions. The plan centers on a start at Riverview Heights Park, where, for those not biking, a park cleanup and new tree pruning clinic will be held. Commissioner Foell mentioned that the paved trail segment near Springbrook Nature Center was now done and that most residents don’t realize it is completed. Commissioner Westby, echoed by Chairman Hansen thought traversing the new Coon Rapids connecting trail near Springbrook from Riverview Heights Park to Springbrook Nature Center would be a good idea for the event. Hiking from Riverview Heights Park, or biking to Springbrook Nature Center and then hiking at the Nature Center became the plan. Grandpa’s Ice Cream will be invited to Springbrook (staff will contact them). Springbrook is ok with this plan, per Director Mike Maher. Other names besides the Bike & Hike were proposed. Commissioner Ferris pointed out that most people in the City may not realize what trails are in close proximity to their homes and suggested that the name could be “Know Your Trails Day”. Staff will check with the City Communications director. “Ride with the Mayor” was also suggested as a draw for the ride from Riverview Heights Park to Springbrook. Staff will check with City Manager Wysopal to see if Mayor Lund may be available. Other discussion included having a display about raptors from the Raptor Center, depending on if they charge as the event currently has no budget. Commissioner Foell mentioned the Wilderness Inquiry in regard to the event. Commissioner Westby stated that in addition to City promotion efforts through social media, it would be good to send a notice to the Sun Focus. Commissioner Stoxen thought that Lifetime Fitness members should be made aware and Commissioner Ferris said the YMCA and Springbrook could perhaps help to promote it. Mark Hansen said last year’s flyer helped and maybe that could be used again. Commissioner Westby suggested Cub Foods. 2) Results of citizen outreach from Home & Garden show. 3) New item for Drop-off. Staff has located a supplier called A&D that will accept dry pallets, raw wood scraps and 2” x 4”s for recycling into horse bedding. This item has recently been included as an item eligible for tonnage from the SCORE grant through Anoka County. A roll-off container will be added, th which our Public Works work force will fill during the May 6 Residential Recycling Drop-off Event. The Commissioners discussed possible alternate locations for the future Drop-off Events. Some possibilities as generated: John Allen’s property, BAE property, Electric company on Main St., also. Old Business Arbor Day: Commissioners Stoxen and Westby will volunteer between 10 & noon. Commissioner Ferris may be able to attend and bring two children to join in the festivities. Commissioner Westby mentioned that Master Water Stewards might be interested in future shoreline restoration work at Moore Lake, as the Parks’ Master Plan is implemented. Other Commissioner Stoxen is still willing to do Moore Lake water sampling. He is requesting a canoe from public works and for Parks to store it in a building and giving him a key as he would need to access the canoe weekly. He is trained in water sampling and if this can be arranged, having the data would aid progress in reducing water quality impairment. Commissioner Ferris mentioned that tree plantings by soccer teams, confirmation classes that need service hours and a “Name a Tree” campaign might generate volunteer interest in tree planting outings. Other comments included continuing outreach to faith-based communities for plantings. Commissioner Hansen met with Sheila K., North Metro Engineer about plantings along Hwy 47. Their position on the chain link fence is that it was put there based on a petition by Fridley residents and up the chain to the Attorney General, the ruling was that it cannot therefore be removed. The original issue was safety to prevent mid-block crossings by residents. Commissioner Paul Westby stated that another petition might be circulated to counteract the first. MnDOT stated that some kind of black vinyl-coated fence or upgrades might be used with the City paying upcharges for more elaborate fencing. Commissioner Hansen stated that Hwy. 61 in White Bear Lake had some good examples of highway corridor landscaping. Chairman Hansen asked about what kind of feedback opportunities or requirements would there be for the EQEC in regard to the Comprehensive Plan. Julie Jones, Planning Manager is in the best position to respond to this question, but staff stated that, as well-informed volunteers, the Commissioners input into the process will be invaluable. Commissioner Westby gave a short synopsis of the plan at Redeemer Church to install a raingarden, as designed by Mitch Haustein of Anoka Conservation District. Next Meetings/Announcements th Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Adjourn The meeting was ended by a motion by Commissioner Hansen and seconded by Commissioner Stoxen at 8:40 p.m.