Loading...
EQEM 1/12/2021 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION Fridley Municipal Center, 7071 University Ave Ne MINUTES JANUARY 12, 2021 Location: Zoom Webinar Call to Order Chair Hanson called the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission to order at 7:00 Roll Call Present: Amy Dritz, Mark Hanson, Justin Foell, Nick Olberding, Heidi Ferris, and Sam Stoxen. Staff: Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Ms. Workin announced that Paul Westby has retired from the Commission and he was recognized for his time and contributions to the Commission. Approval of Minutes Chair Hansen called for a motion to adopt the minutes from the December 8, 2020 Environmental Quality and Energy Commission meeting. Commissioner Dritz made a motion to approve the minutes and Commissioner Olberding seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED unanimously New Business 1) East Moore Lake Biochar and Iron Enhanced Sand Filter Project Ms. Workin stated that the Moore Lake water quality report showed impaired levels of phosphorus leads to algae blooms and TMDL approved in 2015 that a 25% TP reduction is required. There are known E. coli spikes (8164 MPN/100mL) and an impact on public perception. 50% are concerned about algae and 67% are concerned about bacteria. Stormwater runoff goes into a 638-acre drainage area including the lake. An analysis by RCWD indicated that the Gardena outfall is top priority, a 94-acre drainage area. The water quality BMP includes Moore Lake Master Plan, Local Water Plan and RCWD Water Management Plan, LISC Recommendations and is required as part of TMDL/MS4 Permit. We Applied for the CWF grant ($400,000) and will receive a match from RCWD/Stormwater Utility Fund. Chair Hansen asked if we would be able to avoid taking out some of the trees on the southern end. Ms. Workin what excavation will be needed for the sand. The trees may be able to be relocated, they are young enough. Commissioner Foell asked if there would be any changes to the parking lot, Ms. Workin replied that is part of the parks master plan, to reconfigure the parking lot. There will be many phases to the Moore Lake master plan. Stormwater runoff will be managed as part of the construction. Ms. Workin replied that the master plan came back with large price tag that would impact the way the City could invest in other parks. The City decided to pause and look at the park system as a whole. Public outreach highlighted what people were looking for and the City contracted with WSB to work on specific park plans and a budget. Concept plans may be unveiled in March for public comment. 2) Environmental Fun Fair Postponement Ms. Workin stated that this event is usually scheduled at the beginning of May and with the uncertainty with COVID staff are thinking it may be a good idea to wait until next year for the event. Chair Hansen noted that Pumpkin Night in the Park was cancelled, and he participated on the online app called Goose Chase and it was a lot of fun. Maybe something like that could be done to get people out to see all the parks. Ms. Workin thought that an environmental tour of the City could be fun. Commissioner Ferris mentioned Earth Day Bingo, or some other activity based on a green environmental experience. Ms. Workin will bring these ideas to the Park Department. 3) Bike Workshop Ms. Workin said that there is an opportunity for Green Step Cities like Fridley to be recognized as a walk/bike friendly community. One way to get close to that goal is to participate in bicycling community workshops that are offered to learn how to become more walk/bike friendly. The workshops are online so more communities can participate. Communities will host two 2-hour workshops with interested stakeholders. One day focusses on education and the other to develop action plans. If Fridley participates, Rachel would be the community coordinator and we would need a community planning team. If the Commission is interested, she will let the City Manager know we would like to participate in these workshops. MOTION by Commissioner Foell to recommend the City apply for the walk/bike community workshops pending City management approval. Seconded by Chair Hanson. MOTION PASSED unanimously Old Business 1) 2021 Tree Sale Ms. Workin said at the last meeting they talked about targeting under forested areas for the tree sale. Many neighborhoods were developed at the same time, so they have similar tree coverage. Staff is proposing to target single family homes in the lowest forested areas a discount on the tree sale. This will increase awareness of the tree sale and highlight less forested areas. We are working on getting a price quote on the postcard and use a 40% cutoff. Commissioner Dritz noted that property values increase when there are more trees so maybe include that information on the post card. Commissioner Foell suggested to include some information on tree planting. Ms. Workin said that trees that are hearty and d are usually recommended. Care and maintenance information come with the tree purchase plus staff are available to answer questions. 2) Other Wind Up Challenge hoping to get 50 people to sign up for wind source. Go to www.Fridleymn.gov/windupchallenge for more information. The Coon Creek Watershed District is looking for volunteers for the chloride monitoring program. Information can be found on their website and in January newsletter. Fill out the disclosure form and return. Commissioner Foell noted that there was a grant opportunity for charging stations and Fridley already has applied and received the grant. Ms. Workin replied that the electrical components in the ground, but the charging station has not arrived yet. Council decided to offer two hours of free charging and after that there will be a cost. It is a dual port station and one will be used by the City. Adjourn Commissioner Olberding made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Stoxen seconded the motion MOTION PASSED unanimously