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EQEM 08/08/2017 ENVIRONMENTALQUALITYANDENERGYCOMMISSION FridleyMunicipalCenter,6431UniversityAveNe MINUTES August8,2017 Location: City Hall, Conference Room A (Main Level, City Hall) Call to Order President Mark Hansen called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. Members present: Nick Olberding, Kyle Mulrooney, Paul Westby, Mark Hansen, Justin Foell, Sam Stoxen Staff present: Julie Jones, Planning Manager; Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Absent: Heidi Ferris Approval of Minutes President Hansen moved to approve the July 11, 2017 meeting minutes as written. Commissioner Westby seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY New Business 1)EAB Plan Foresty intern, Chris Titus, discussed the results of 2017 EAB Response Plan Pilot Program and the initial draft version of the EAB Plan. Mr. Titus described the goals of the project as 1) minimizing safety risks from the death of a large number of ash trees and 2) maintaining the benefits of our urban canopy and 3) improving our species diversity to be more resilient in the future. Mr. Titus discussed that, as part of the pilot, homeowners who had an ash tree removed from the public boulevard adjacent to their property were able to select from a variety of tree species to be planted in the boulevard (bare root) or in their front yard (potted). He explained that while bare root trees are initially not as developed as potted trees, within two years they meet the same health indicators. Commissioners asked if there would be a warranty on trees planted in the public boulevard and if the City would allow residents to accept cash-in-lieu to purchase a different type of tree than offered. Commissioners also questioned the diversity of trees chosen by the residents, to which Mr. Titus responded that residents typically requested only a couple of the offered species. It was recommended to investigate other means to encourage species diversity, such as limiting the number of specimens to be planted from a given species, asking residents to rank species choice, or offering different options to different residnets. Commisioners also recommended that outreach to residents included information on safely treating private ash trees and clarity on the City’s role vs resident’s role. The EQEC also expressed interest on serving as an advisory role in the implementation of the EAB plan. 2)2040 Comprehensive Plan feedback: Rachel Workin discussed the integration of resiliency into the Comprehensive Plan through integration into different Plan chapters as well as through explicit development of the City’s solar goals, policies and strategies. The group discussed the need for achieving a representative voice of the City in planning by reaching out to diverse communities to increase engagement. Comissioners were advised to provide feedback on the Comp Plan using the GreenStep Cities framework. President Hanson shared GreenStep Cities goals identified by Comissioners. Ms. Workin also asked if the group would want to advise on updates to the Active Transportation. Plan. Commissioners expressed interest in serving in an advisory role. It was also mentioned that bike signs need to be installed to reflect the Plan. 3)Environmental Fair : Rachel Workin relayed that there was a possibility of hosting an environmentally- themed event at Springbrook Nature Center with 4-H that would integrate aspects of Arbor Day and Trails Day. Commissioners expressed interest in pursueing the event. Details on any future coordination meeting will be distributed to EQEC members. Old Business 4)July 22 Recycling Drop-off Event Update: Rachel Workin shared that 272 Fridley cars went through the Summer drop-off event. There was a large increase in heavy items and large TVs, likely as a result of the Coupon system. Other 5)Master Water Stewards: Rachel Workin shared that there are upcoming information sessions on the Master Water Steward program at Mississippi Watershed Management Organization headquarters on thth August 29 or at Urban Boat Builders on September 14. Applications for the next class of Master th Water Steward are due September 30. Adjournment Commissioner Westby moved to adjourn the meeting and Commissioner Olberding seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 8:49 pm.