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EQEM 07/11/2017 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION Fridley Municipal Center, 6431 University Ave Ne MINUTES July 11, 2017 Location: City Hall, Conference Room A (Main Level, City Hall) Call to Order Vice Chair Olberding called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm. Members present: Heidi Ferris, Nick Olberding, Kyle Mulrooney, Paul Westby Staff present: Julie Jones, Planning Manager; Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Absent: Mark Hansen, Justin Foell, Sam Stoxen Approval of Minutes After Commissioners reviewed the June 6, 2017 minutes, and after two minor corrections and the addition of text to Item 1 of Other Business by Julie Jones, a motion was made by Commissioner Westby and seconded by Commissioner Mulrooney to approve the minutes as amended. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY New Business 1)Introduction of New Environmental Planner: Rachel Workin, the new Environmental Planner, and EQEC Commissioners exchanged introductions. 2)25 by 25Community Water Meeting Co-Sponsorship: Rachel Workin explained that the League of Women Voters Upper Mississippi River Region Interleague Organization asked the EQEC to co-sponsor a Community Water Meeting in support of the 25 by 25 initiative, pending approval by the City Manager. Co-sponsorship would entail use of the group’s name and facilitating table discussions during the meeting. Vice Chair Olberding and Commissioners Ferris and Westby agreed to represent the EQEC at the meeting. Commissioner Ferris expressed interest in hosting additional meetings in Fridley. A motion was made by Vice Chair Olberding and seconded by Commissioner Ferris that the EQEC co- sponsor the Community Water Meeting, pending approval by the City Manager. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 3)Volunteer Network Development: Rachel Workin discussed the importance of short term and long term volunteers for upcoming City projects and the need to creatively engage volunteers. Commissioners suggested additional groups that may be interested in partnering on environmental initiatives include local school groups and businesses and recommended additional outreach via social media. 4)July 22 Recycling Drop-off Event Update: Julie Jones provided an update on the recycling drop-off event on July 22 at Green Lights Recycling. An additional drop-off event is scheduled for October 7 at Locke Park. Old Business 5)June 10 Tree Steward Event at SNC Recap: Rachel Workin provided an update on the June 10 Tree Steward training at Springbrook Nature Center. The event was focused on long-term tree maintenance. Additional training opportunities may be planned. 6)June 16 SRTS event recap: Julie Jones provided an update on the June 16 Safe Routes to School (SRTS) event. She shared that she was very impressed by the thoughtful consideration of the different potential route designs by attendees. Following feedback from the SRTS event, the proposed SRTS plan was adopted by council on June 26. A similar event will be planned in the West Moore Lake area. 7)Hügelkultur: Julie Jones explained that City Staff had determined that Hügelkultur installations can be analyzed under ordinances written for composting due to their functional similarities. She explained that City Code is written purposefully broad to allow for considerations by both the property and adjacent landowners as well as to avoid unnecessary text amendments. 8)2017 Street Reconstruction, Tree Planting Pilot Program: Rachel Workin provided an update on the Tree Planting Pilot Program occurring in the 2017 Street Project zone. The City is providing residents in the area with poor condition boulevard ash trees a diversity of replacement options. Commissioner Ferris suggested that alternative wood uses be considered when appropriate trees are removed. 9)Integrating Community Resilience in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan: Julie Jones explained that in advance of drafting the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, the City would be seeking recommendations from the EQEC on resiliency efforts as well as new Green Step Cities initiatives. Commissioner Ferris discussed disaster relief efforts from local groups in Fridley. The group also discussed investigating the carbon sequestration benefits of prairie plantings. Adjournment Commissioner Westby moved to adjourn the meeting and Commissioner Mulrooney seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 8:32 PM.