EQEM 11/14/2017
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION
Fridley Municipal Center, 6431 University Ave Ne
MINUTES
November 14, 2017
Location: City Hall, Conference Room A (Main Level, City Hall)
Call to Order
Chair Hansen called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm.
Members present: Nick Olberding, Kyle Mulrooney, Justin Foell, Heidi Ferris, Mark Hansen, Sam Stoxen
Absent: Paul Westby
Staff present: Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner; Jim Kosluchar, Director of Public Works
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Olberding moved to approve the October 10 2017 meeting minutes as written. Commissioner
Foell seconded the motion.
MOTION PASSED Unanimously
New Business
2017 Water Resource Management Re-Cap
1)
Jim Kosluchar, Director of Public Works, provided the EQEC with a summary of water resources projects and
modeling updates done in 2017 to benefit the City’s surface waters. Mr. Kosluchar also provided an update on
potential projects the City was evaluating for 2018.
Parks and Trails Comp Plan Chapter review
2)
Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner, provided the group with the draft trends, policies, objectives, goals, and
action steps for the Parks and Trails Section of the comprehensive plan. Commissioner Ferris recommended that
the City coordinate with Anoka County on goals related to resiliency and sustainability. Ms. Workin stated that
could be included as an action step. The commission also discussed how resiliency would be incorporated into
the plan. Ms. Workin stated that the City was planning to weave themes of resiliency throughout each chapter.
It was discussed that should this approach be taken, the concept of resiliency should be highlighted. Ms. Workin
stated that the opportunity to review additional chapters would be provided at the December meeting, and that
additional input could be provided at the Public Hearing and through Chair Hansen via the Planning
Commission. Chair Hansen stated that he would communicate the EQECs recommendations.
Organics Update
3)
Ms. Workin stated that 4 proposals had been received during the Organics RFP that were currently being
reviewed.
Old Business
Environmental Fun Fair Meeting Re-Cap
1)
Commissioner Ferris provided an update from the November Fun Fair planning meeting. Ms. Workin stated
that they had received volunteers for the Fix-It Clinic, but that they might need more vendors related to
bicycling if that was a theme of interest. Commissioner Foell recommended contacting local bicycle groups. It
was discussed that the Trails Day bike ride could be advertised during this event. Commissioner Ferris
suggested that the bike ride visit some of the water quality projects that the City has installed.
Other Informational Item
Ms. Workin provided information on the following events:
1)Partners in Energy Application
Ms. Workin indicated that the city was interested in applying Partners in Energy is a program by Xcel to
assist Cities in the energy planning process. Commissioners expressed support for the program.
2)MnTAP intern deadline- January 2018
Ms. Workin updated the group regarding the MnTAP program internships and that the City had reached
out to the manufacturing community. Commissioners encouraged collaborations with the business
community.
Adjournment
Commissioner Foell moved to adjourn the meeting and Chair Hansen seconded the motion. The meeting
adjourned at 8:34 p.m.