01-21-2021
PUBLIC NOTICE
City of Fridley Environmental Quality & Energy Commission
Notice of Meeting by Telephone or Other Electronic Means
Notice is hereby given that the Environmental Quality & Energy Commission (EQEC) of the City of
Fridley will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on January 12, 2021 at 7:00 pm via telephone or
other electronic means.
In accordance with the recommendations of s 20-99 and
20-103, which recommend remote meetings whenever possible, the January 12, 2021 EQEC
Commission meeting will be held via Zoom meeting.
Public Comment Before a Meeting
If you have public comments to submit before a meeting, please send your comments to
rachel.workin@fridleymn.gov or contact 7635723594. Public comments will be received up until
noon on the day of the meeting. Comments will be compiled and delivered to the EQEC Commission.
Public Comment During a Meeting
During the meeting, members of the public that wish to comment may join the meeting on the Zoom
webinar platform. Attendees will be able to click the "raise hand button" and alert City staff that they
wish to comment.
Link to the EQEC Commission meeting: https://zoom.us/j/99947009272
Posted: January 5, 2021
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION
Fridley Municipal Center, 7071 University Ave Ne
AGENDA
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Location: Online Zoom Meeting, 7:00 PM
Call to Order
1) Commissioner Roll Call
Approve Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Minutes
1) Review December 08 Minutes
New Business
1) East Moore Lake Biochar and Iron Enhanced Sand Filter project
2) Environmental Fun Fair Postponement
Old Business
1) 2021 Tree Sale
2) Parks Master Plan Update
Adjourn
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION
Fridley Municipal Center, 7071 University Ave Ne
MINUTES
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Location: Zoom Webinar
Call to Order
Chair Hanson called the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission to order at 7:03
Approval of Minutes
Chair Hansen called for a motion to adopt the minutes from the November 10, 2020 Environmental Quality and
Energy Commission minutes.
Commissioner Foell made a motion to approve the minutes and Commissioner Dritz seconded the motionto
approve the minutes with the above-mentioned corrections.
MOTION PASSED unanimously
Roll Call
Ms. Workin led a roll call. The following commissioners were absent and present
Present: Amy Dritz, Mark Hanson, Justin Foell, Nick Olberding, Heidi Ferris, Sam Stoxen,
Absent: Paul Westby
Staff: Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner
New Business
1. Craig Park
Ms. Workin shared that the City was planning a project in Craig Park to resolve longstanding flooding issues.
expressed support for increased native landscaping. The group discussed nature play elements included in the
draft plans. Commissioner Hansen commented that due to the proximity of Springbrook Nature Center, it might
be more strategic to have the nature play elements in a different park. Commissioner Ferris said that there were
different types of nature play: formal and informal. She also commented that the project should include
educational components and highlighting the river connection. Ms. Ferris recommended tree planting for
transpiration and hammocking. The commissioners suggested including a road diet of Bellaire Blvd as part of
the project. Commissioner Stoxen asked if there was concern regarding groundwater. Ms. Workin clarified that
the project was aiming to direct water away from the neighboring houses, not add more water to the storm
wellhead protection plan.
2. Wind Up! Fridley
Ms. Workin shared that the City was planning to promote the Wind Source program through a campaign in
January and February. Commissioner Dritz recommended tying it to the Energy Action Plan goals and creating
more awareness regarding the
Council members. Ms. Workin commented that they have seen positive feedback on testimonial-based outreach.
3. Girl Scout Camp
Chair Hansen asked those who attended the Girl Scout Camp presentation to share any details. Commissioner
Olberding said that the Metropolitan
they shared options for designs in the area surrounding the lift station. Commissioner Foell said that those
re of any designs or the process they
would be taking to develop the designs.
4. 2021 Tree sale
Ms. Workin asked the Commissioners their opinion regarding targeting areas with less tree canopy during the
tree sale. Commissioner Stoxen asked how areas would be located. Ms. Workin said she would talk with the
targeted mailer be sent to these area. Commissioners were supportive of using the tree sale pricing to incentivize
plantings in under-forested areas.
Old Business
1. 2021 Organics Outreach
Ms. Workin requested commissioner feedback regarding promotion the organics program. Commissioners
recommended having a Fridley-specific recycling calendar that had organics information, providing a mailer
that focused on the items that could be recycled, discussing the ease of the program in the winter, and focusing
on volume vs. tonnage. The group discussed barriers to the program including multi-family and townhouse
participation and lack of financial incentive for sizing down in trash can size.
Adjourn
Commissioner Dritz moved to close the meeting at 8:03 Commissioner Stoxen seconded.
MOTION PASSED unanimously
MEMORANDUM
Public Works Department
Forestry Engineering
Date: 1/202PW2-0
To:
From: James Kosluchar, Public Works Director
Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner
East Moore Lake Clean Water Fund Grant Award
RE:
The City was recently awarded a Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) Clean Water Fund
grant to construct a biochar/iron-enhanced sand filter at the inlet of East Moore Lake near
Gardena Avena. This project was included in both the original and conceptual designs for the
Park prepared by HKGI and reviewed by the Park and Recreation Commission and is in line with
The project was planned
Water Management Plan, which were approved by respective Council and Board actions in 2019.
This feature will treat stormwater from the 94-acre drainage area that enters the lake near
Gardena Avenue for bacteria, phosphorus, and sediment. In a survey of over 300 residents
conducted in 2016, 56% of respondents said water quality negatively impacted their use of the
park, 67% said they were concerned about bacteria/E. coli, and 50% said they were concerned
about algae. Water samples collected from at the inlet this summer indicated phosphorus over
the state standard as well as E. coli levels of 8164 mpn per 100 mL (for reference, Three Rivers
Park District will close a beach when levels are over 1260 mpn). This project is estimated to
remove 18 pounds of phosphorus per year, which is 25% of the phosphorus reduction
mandated by the MPCA and EPA approved Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) reduction for
Moore Lake.
The improved water quality resulting from this project will be an important part of the overall
effort to revitalize Moore Lake Park and improve its water quality. The project will not require
removal of any park amenities including the nearby trail and picnic shelter.
The estimated project cost is $500,000 with $400,000 awarded through the BWSR
grant and the remaining funded through a local match. Rice Creek Watershed District has
committed to being a financial partner and has already allocated money in their CIP, expected
to include 50% to 100% of the match requirement. Construction is expected in 2021 or 2022.
RW/rw
attachment
TRIBUTARY AREA MAP
Proposed
IES/Biochar filter
Discharge Location
Location
In-channel diversion
IES/BIOCHAR FILTER CONCEPT
structure
94 Acres
15,000 +/- square feet
Tributary Area
Biochar/IES Filter
-Filter elevaiton 878.0
-Berm elevation 879.5
Trail access.
Existing storm sewer
outlet elevations 876+/-
Native Pollinator-Friendly
Planting.
No-mow grass
3
Trail Crossing
Cleanout
1 Culvert
878.0'
12"
Iron-enhanced sand/Biochar filter
877.0'
Clean Gravel Drainage Layer
12"
876.0'
Clay Liner12"
6" Drain Tile @ 0-.25%
10" Solid-wall
Header Pipe
FILTER CROSS SECTION