EQEM 10/13/20
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION
Fridley Municipal Center, 7071 University Ave Ne
MINUTES
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Location: City of Fridley Civic Campus, Banfill Room
Call to Order
Chair Hanson called the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission to order at 7:02 p.m.
Present: Amy Dritz, Mark Hanson, Justin Foell, Nick Olberding, Heidi Ferris, Sam Stoxen,
Absent: Paul Westby
Staff: Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner
Approval of Minutes
Chair Hansen called for a motion to adopt the minutes from the August 11, 2020 Environmental Quality and
Energy Commission minutes.
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. University Ave updates
Ms. Workin shared that previous studies along University Avenue including a safety study and the City of
Fridley initiated corridor study have resulted in several improvements along University Avenue including the
th
fence project, repainting of Mississippi Street, and the LPI-signal at 69. Commissioners also recommended
looking at the signal timing at East River Road, Osborne Road, and Mississippi Street.
Ms. Workin said that the previous efforts have culminated in MnDOT initiating a PEL study which is a
Planning and Environmental Linkages Study, which is taking a big picture look of the corridor through its entire
distance. Commissioners are encouraged to leave comments on the MnDOT project webpage
UniversityCentralVision.Com. There will also be online open houses to learn more.
2. 2021 Meeting Schedule
The Commissioners reviewed the 2021 Meeting Schedule.
Commissioner Foell made a motion to approve the minutes and Commissioner Stoxen seconded the motion to
approve the minutes with the above-mentioned corrections.
MOTION PASSED unanimously
3. MRT Signage
Commissioner Foell presented about the signage along the MRT trail. He reminded the EQEC that the MRT is
two trails which run on both sides of the river. He presented a number of examples of trees covering MRT
signage including at southern border; He also showed that the directional arrows within Riverfront Regional
Park were unclear. Commissioner Foell described that the split at the pollinator garden on East River Road was
on of the most confusing areas, potentially as a result of signage being removed during a project. The group also
discussed the poor condition of the trail around Stevenson Elementary (county-owned trail), and showed where
angle, particularly in the Locke Lake neighborhood. Other recommendations include:
1) It was confusing when the MRRT and MRT signs were put together
2) On road signs put at an angle
3) Clear vegetation annually
4) Add big picture signage at touch points where trails meet the road or intersect.
5) Add signage to let people know when they can cross at the river
The group also discussed the area by Alden Road in Riverview Heights Park as an area confusing to cyclists
and park users and described the issue with the barricades. The group recommended that the barricades be
replaced and the area be considered for a road diet.
Commissioner Ferris asked the status of Camp Lockslea. Ms. Workin shared that there had been a council
workshop update on Monday. She will find out what was discussed. Commissioner Ferris wondered if a
anthropological or historical survey had been done? The group also discussed routing the MRT through Camp
Lockslea.
4. Energy Month updates
Ms. Workin shared about the energy updates organized through the Citizens Utility Board.
Other
1. November- MnDOT presentation
Ms. Workin shared that David Elwin, Planning Principal with MnDOT would present on the PEL study at the
November meeting.
2. Holiday Recycling
Ms. Workin shared that the City would once again be hosting its holiday recycling initiatives of pumpkin and
holiday lights.
Adjourn
Commissioner Stoxen moved to close the meeting at 7:59 PM, Commissioner Ferris seconded.
MOTION PASSED unanimously