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EQEM 10/10/2017 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION Fridley Municipal Center, 6431 University Ave Ne MINUTES October 10, 2017 Location: City Hall, Conference Room A (Main Level, City Hall) Call to Order Commissioner Nick Olberding called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. Members present: Nick Olberding, Kyle Mulrooney, Paul Westby, Justin Foell, Heidi Ferris Staff present: Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Absent: Mark Hansen, Sam Stoxen Approval of Minutes Commissioner Ferris moved to approve the September 12 2017 meeting minutes as written. Commissioner Olberding seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED Unanimously New Business 1)2018 EQEC Meeting Dates: Commissioner Mulrooney moved to approve the 2018 EQEC meeting dates as written. Commissioner Foell seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED Unanimously 2)Organics Update Ms. Workin provided an update that the City had released a Request for Proposal for organic material collection service. She also stated that the City would be collecting pumpkins for composting at Springbrook Nature stth Center from November 1- 6. Commissioner Ferris recommended advertising the drop-off in Pumpkin Night in the Park materials as well as asking local pumpkin retailers if we could advertise at their store. Old Business 1)Tree Planting Re-Cap Ms. Workin advised the EQEC that the City had hosted three tree plantings since the previous meeting, reaching their goals for the LCCMR grant. Commissioner Westby provided an updated on the rain garden planting at Redeemer Church. Commissioner Westby also recommended that the City partner with local institutions to develop institution-managed community gardens etc. on under-utilized park land in the City. Ms. Workin stated that she would be happy to determine the feasibility of this initiative with interested groups. 2)October 7 Fall Recycling drop-off recap Ms. Workin stated that 423 cars came through the recycling drop-off. This was a decrease from the 554 cars at the 2016 fall drop-off event, although the 2016 number included participants in paper shredding. We do not have a count for paper shredding at the 2017 event. Ms. Workin stated that staff is developing a plan for drop- offs in 2018 while City Hall is under construction. Other Informational Item Ms. Workin provided information on the following events: 1)October 20 CERT Seed Grant application due 2)October 24 Environmental Fun Fair meeting at SNC 3)2040 Comp Plan Commissioners stated that in addition to the approved EQEC recommendations that they recommend developing a corridor plan for landscaping along University and Highway 65 to provide a cohesive look. They recommended that businesses along these corridors could save money by planting low-maintenance landscaping and trees. It was suggested that a sustainability section of the business newsletter be included. Additionally, Commissioners recommended that the City take a stronger look at its own facilities management and work practices (i.e. telecommuting) to serve as a demonstration and decrease its environmental footprint. Commissioner Ferris emphasized the usefulness of social media in messaging and increasing community pride. Adjournment Commissioner Westby moved to adjourn the meeting and Commissioner Foell seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.