EQEM 04/09/2019
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION
Fridley Municipal Center, 7071 University Ave Ne
MINUTES
April 9, 2019
Location: City of Fridley Civic Campus, Banfill Room
Call to Order
Chair Hanson called the meeting to order at 7:02
Members present: Nick Olberding, Justin Foell, Sam Stoxen, Heidi Ferris, Mark Hansen, Amy Dritz
Absent: Paul Westby
Staff: Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner
Other:
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Foell moved approval of the March 12, 2019 meeting minutes. Commissioner Olberding
seconded the motion.
MOTION PASSED unanimously
Commissioner Stoxen inquired if there were height restrictions related to bat boxes. He commented that the
setback requirements for a bee keeping license made it infeasible for him to keep bees on his property. Mr.
Stoxen expressed interest in bat boxes as a way to support pollinators. Ms. Workin said she would check on the
height restrictions. Ms. Workin also recommended the group Beez Kneez that teaches intro to beekeeping at
Springbrook Nature Center
New Business
1) Introduction of Amy Dritz
Ms. Workin presented recently approved Commissioner Amy Dritz. EQEC members completed ice breaker of
why they joined EQEC.
2) ATP discussion
Ms. Workin provided background on why the City was completing a Parks Master Plan. She shared progress on
the Social Pinpoint site which would be used to collect opinion for the Parks Plan and Active Transportation
st
Plan. Commissioner Foell asked if there were any changes planned to 61. Ms. Workin said she would ask
Public Works Director Jim Kosluchar. Commissioner Olberding asked if it would be possible to switch the
to explain how to use the program. Commissioner Dritz recommended explaining why emails were being
collected. Commissioner Foell asked if the bike lane sign disappeared on Main St. Ms. Workin said she would
check. Ms. Ferris recommended putting the paddle trail on the map. Chair Hanson asked if there were changes
to Islands of Peace. Commissioner Ferris shared work that was done at Lake Phalen related to outreach and
going to parks to get data from users. For example, they learned that a group was using the volleyball courts for
a different use and were able to adjust the nets. Commissioner Ferris recommended putting more survey
outreach into non-active uses. The group reviewed the associated survey and made edits to include winter uses,
increase the number of questions about trails, and to include a separate survey geared at commuter bikers.
The commissioners discussed the future of the Girl Scout camp. Chair Hansen previously attended a Planning
Commission meeting about the event. Commissioners discussed the importance of the Metropolitan Council
paying for improvements to the park.
3) Bike Rodeo
Ms. Workin shared that they were planning to include a small obstacle course at the helmet clinic. The group
discussed a bike ride in lieu of the June 11 meeting.
4) Adopt a Drain
Ms. Workin shared the new adopt a drain program (adopt-a-drain.org) She said the City would promote the
program in the near future.
5) Congregation Toolkit
This event was tabled.
Old Business
1) University Ave Wkshp
2) Osborne Rd
3) Energy Action Plan update
Other
1) Commission Workshop 4/13
2) Commission Dinner 4/15
3) Tree Pruning Workshop- April 23
4) Fun Fair- May 4
5) Recycling Drop off- May 11
6) Blue Thumb Bee Lawns Workshop- June 4
Adjournment
Commissioner Stoxen moved to adjourn the meeting and Commissioner Olberding seconded the motion. The
meeting adjourned at 8:39 pm.