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EQEM 01/14/2020 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION Fridley Municipal Center, 7071 University Ave Ne MINUTES WğƓǒğƩǤ ЊЍͲ ЋЉЋЉ Location: City of Fridley Civic Campus, Banfill Room Call to Order Chair Hanson called the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission to order at 7:04 p.m. Present: Amy Dritz, Mark Hanson, Justin Foell, Nick Olberding, Heidi Ferris Absent: Sam Stoxen, Paul Westby Staff: Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Additional: Alyssa Kruzel, Community Engagement Specialist Approval of Minutes Chair Hansen called for a motion to adopt the minutes from the December 10, 2019 Environmental Quality and Energy Commission minutes. Commissioner Dritz noted that her last name was misspelled in two locations. She also said that the word avoid the sidewalk right along the curb. Commissioner Ferris made a motion to approve the minutes and Commissioner Foell seconded the motionto approve the minutes with the above-mentioned corrections. MOTION PASSED unanimously New Business 1) Presentation by Alyssa Kruzel, Community Engagement Specialist Ms. Kruzel provided information on her position as the Community Engagement Specialist and demographic information related to Fridley that would inform her work. She explained the difference between outreach and engagement wherein the goal of outreach is increasing awareness with the goal of achieving participation while engagement involves the active organization of individuals and organizations in the planning process. Ms. Kruzel provided information on different forms of community engagement and her workplan in Fridley. She also provided information on the census. Commissioner Ferris asked if this information had been shared with the schools, noting that the dual Spanish-English flier might be good to introduce at Woodcrest Elementary. Chair Hansen said that his wife was involved with the PTO there and would be a good contact. Ms. Ferris also said that discussions on the census could be a successful social studies lesson. Commissioner Foell asked if about best practices related to engagement that could be brought to programs that the EQEC would like to promote including the organics program and energy outreach. Ms. Kruzel said that she would be happy to work with the EQEC on a work plan for those items. 2) Active Transportation Plan Ms. Workin brought back the trail versus sidewalk along University Avenue following council discussion on rd the issue. She shared long term plans for the area including the extension of the road to 73 which would open up the trail. She also shared that there would be cross walks across the road connecting the trail to the Civic Campus. Chair Hansen asked if there would be any concerns about flooding from the trail. Ms. Ferris shared that she had heard concerns from Metro Heights Academy related to crossing University. She noted that many of the students left and arrived at the school at non-traditional hours. The commissioners asked about the impacts of a crosswalk to holiday from the sidewalk. Ms. Workin said they had not studied the site lines related to a potential crosswalk. Commissioner Foell said he saw the sidewalk getting more use. Chair Hansen said that as a biker, he did not feel unsafe on the service road. Ms. Ferris asked if it would be possible to plant trees along the service road as a wind break. Ms. Workin said she was not sure. The commission recommended the sidewalk as the preferred alternative since trails along University Avenue are more exposed which makes them less recreational and enjoyable. 3) PACE Financing Ms. Workin shared that PACE financing was now available in Anoka County. She said that religious institutions and non-profits can take advantage of it. She encouraged commissioners to let groups know of this program. She mentioned that the City and Xcel Energy are planning a renewable energy breakfast for February 27 to share information about the program. Old Business 1) Energy Action Plan update Ms. Workin said the information was in the packet. 2) Lawns to Legumes Ms. Workin shared that the community Lawns to Legumes grant had been submitted and that the individual grant was still open. Commissioner Dritz asked if she should continue to share information. Ms. Workin encouraged commissioners to share information on the individual program but wait to share on the community program until they learned whether they had received funding. Other 1) Disclosure Forms Ms. Workin distributed disclosure forms 2) Environmental Commission Gathering Ms. Workin shared that there was an environmental commission gathering through the Alliance for Sustainability 2/13 in Roseville. Commissioner Foell forwarded information. Adjournment Commissioner Dritz moved to adjourn the meeting and Commissioner Foell seconded the motion. The meeting of the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission adjourned at 8:27 p.m.