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03-08-2022 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MEETING March 08, 2022 7:00 PM Fridley Civic Campus, 7071 University Ave N.E. AGENDA Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Agenda Approval of Meeting Minutes 1.Approve the Minutes from the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission meeting of February 8, 2022. New Business 2.Metro F Line (BRT) Status Update 3.Smart Salting Legislation Update Old Business th 4.44Avenue Bridge Improvements 5.Energy Action Plan Updates 6.Grant Updates 7.2022 Outreach Events Other Items 8.2022 APWA Exceptional Performance Award: Sustainability Nomination Adjournment 2 Jufn!2/ AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date:March8, 2022 Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy (EQEC) Commission Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Title Approve the Minutes fromthe Environmental Quality and Energy Commission meeting of February8, 2022. Background Approve the Minutes from the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission meeting of February8, 2022. Recommendation Approve the Minutes from the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission meeting of February8, 2022. Attachments and Other Resources Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Minutes-February8, 2022. Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. 3 Jufn!2/ ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION Fridley Municipal Center, 7071University Ave Ne MINUTES CĻĬƩǒğƩǤ БͲ ЋЉЋЋ Location: City of Fridley Civic Campus, Fireside Room Call to Order Chair Dritzcalled the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission to orderat 7:01p.m. Present:Justin Foell, NickOlberding, Heidi Ferris, Mark Hansen, Aaron Klemz,Amy Dritz Absent:Sam Stoxen Staff: Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Adoption of the Agenda CommissionerOlberdingmade a motion to adopt the agenda and CommissionerHansen seconded the motion to adopt the agendaas amended. MOTION PASSEDUnanimously Approval ofMinutes Ms. Workin noted that theminutes were dated January 11, 2021 andshould be amended to January 11, 2022. CommissionerFoell made a motionto approve the minutes andCommissionerOlberding seconded the motion to approve the minutes as amended. MOTION PASSED Unanimously New Business 1)BRT Update Ms. Workin provided an update on the F Line and shared the proposed stop locations. Commissioners provided comments to be shared with Metro Transit. th 2)44Ave Bridge Improvements th Ms. Workin requested feedback on the need for sidewalk/bicycle improvements on the 44Ave bridge. Commissioners stated that the current conditions were unsafe and should be improved. Recommendations were made regarding needed improvements to be shared with Anoka County. Ms. Workin and Chair Dritz will work on a letter of support to bring to the March meeting. Old Business 4 Jufn!2/ 1)!Energy Action Plan Updates Ms. Workin shared activities completed as part of the Energy Action Plan. 2)!2022 Outreach Events Ms. Workin shared completed and scheduled outreach events. 3)!Grant updates Ms. Workin provided grant status updates. Other 1)Informal Status Reports a.!Commissioners discussed potential speakers on Aquatic Invasive Species and Native Mussels. Adjournment Commissioner Hansen moved to adjourn the meeting and Commissioner Olberding seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED Unanimously The meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m. 5 Jufn!3/ AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date:March8, 2022 Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy (EQEC) Commission Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Title Metro F Line (BRT) Status Update Background The purpose of this item is to provide Commissioners updates on the Metro FLine which is the BRT Route scheduled to replace Route 10 in 2025-2026. Information on the outreach process which selected Route 10 as the F Line can be found at MetroTransit.Org/NetworkNext. Recommendation Commissioners should review and discuss modifications needed to Route 10 stop alignments Attachments and Other Resources None Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. 6 Jufn!4/ AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date:March8, 2022 Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy (EQEC) Commission Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Title Smart Salting Legislation Update Background A smart salting bill (HF2908/SF768) has been reintroduced in the Minnesota Legislature. One challenge to decreasing salt use by commercial applicators is the potential for lawsuits from slip and fall injuries. This legislation creates a voluntary smart salting certification program for commercial applicators wherein those who are certified, and those who hire them, would be protected from certain kinds of liability as long as they followed best practices. Commissioner Klemz will provide an update on this bill. Recommendation For informational purposes Attachments and Other Resources None Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. 7 Jufn!5/ AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date:March8, 2022 Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy (EQEC) Commission Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Title th 44Avenue Bridge Improvements Background nd In 2019-2020, the EQEC assisted in thedevelopment of the 2edition of the Active Transportation Plan. th This plan identified pedestrian/bicycle improvements to the 44Avenue bridge between East River Road and Main Street over the BNSF railyard as a high priority. At the February 8, 2022 commissioners discussed suggestions for the project. Recommendation th Approve the letter of support for the 44Avenue bridge project Attachments and Other Resources Draft letter of support Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. 8 Jufn!5/ February 28, 2022 Dear Mr. MacPherson, ronmental Quality and Energy Commission (EQEC), I am th writing to express our support for the improvement of biking and walking facilities on the 44 Avenue Bridge. The Fridley EQEC is tasked with advising the City on environmental policy and th lists the 44 Avenue bridge as a high priority segment for improvement. The current bridge conditions are unsafe and a barrier for active transportation. Improving the trail conditions on the bridge would provide an important connection between the Mississippi River Trail and the Main Street Trail and serve as an important link to jobs, regional parks, and other destinations. Sincerely, Amy Dritz, Chair Fridley Environmental Quality and Energy Commission 9 Jufn!6/ AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date:March 88, 2022 Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy (EQEC) Commission Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Title Energy Action Plan Updates Background At the November 9 meeting, the EQEC recommended adoption of Phase 2 of the Energy Action Plan. The following activities were completed this past month: Insulation article in March newsletter Launched outreach on insulation rebate Updating properties in B3 Began providing LED light bulbs in Fire Department Safety visit kits and information on electricity/safety to seniors March cable show on insulation rebates HRA Open House-distributed 32 lighting kits The following activities are projectedin the next month: Work with CEE on mailer about insulation rebates Finish uploadingall City properties into B3 benchmarking system Finish uploading Updating GIS records of City lights Write May newsletter on outdoor energy savings (solar lights, electric equipment) Hiring summer intern for multi-family properties Recommendation Commissioners should review and discuss if there are other activities that should be considered. Attachments and Other Resources None Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. : Jufn!7/ AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date:February 8, 2022 Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy (EQEC) Commission Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Title Grant Updates Background The purpose of this item is to provide Commissioners updates on sustainability grants held by the City. Grants in the Pre-Application Stage Met Council Water Efficiency Grant pt 3 RCWD grant for raingardens in 2022 Street Project Area th Met Council Regional Solicitation Grant for 44Avenue Bridgew/ Anoka County Grants Under Review Lawns to Legumes Demonstration Neighborhood Grant (ACD grant in partnership with Coon Rapids, and Lino Lakes) rd Met Council Climate Mitigation grant for feasibility study of 73Ave BWSR HELP grant for native plant restoration on Commons Park hillside SHIP grant for Civic Campus orchard Active Grants Recycling grant (ongoing) CCWD grant for Craig Park improvements BWSR/RCWD grant for Moore Lake IESF project DNR grant for mitigating impacts of EAB RCWD grant for 6 raingardens in Rice Creek Terrace neighborhood RCWD grant for road diet on University Ave Service Rd Met Council Water Efficiency Grant rd LRIP grant for 53Avenue Trail Project th RS grant for 7St Trail Project CCWD grant for hydrodynamic separator in 2022Street Project Area RCWD grant for sumps in Farr Lake neighborhood University Avenue Lighting Project SHIP grant for bike fleet (SNC/Recreation) Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. 21 Jufn!7/ Grants Closed (1/1/2021+) !SHIP grant for wayfinding kiosk Recommendation Commissioners should review and discuss if there are other activities that should be considered. Attachments and Other Resources !None Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. 22 Jufn!8/ AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date:February8, 2022 Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy (EQEC) Commission Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Title 2022 Outreach Events Background Outreach at community events is an important strategy to build environmental awareness and increase engagement. Events that have been completed since the last meeting as well as upcoming outreach events are listed below. Completed events (2/8-3/8) Front Door Grant Open House (2/9) o Home Energy Squad o Insulation Grant Confirmed events and topics Recycling Drop-offs (5 in 2022) Earth Week + Environmental Fun Fair (April 29-May 7) o Bike Fix It Clinic o Exhibitors Household Hazardous Waste Event (4/30) o Recycling 49rs Day(June 17) o EV Showcase Book Swap (July 19 before Civic Campus concert) Potential Events Garage Sale o Reuse options Night to Unite o Green Block Parties Community wide clean up (TBD) Pumpkin Night in the Park o Energy Coats from Cops Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. 23 Jufn!8/ o!Light bulbs give away Recommendation Commissioners should discuss if there are other community events that are a priority, what topics should be highlighted, and if there is an interest in commissioner involvement. Attachments and Other Resources !None Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. 24 Jufn!9/ AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date:March8, 2022 Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy (EQEC) Commission Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Title 2022 APWA Exceptional Performance Award: Sustainability Nomination Background - attached Recommendation For informational purposes Attachments and Other Resources 2022 APWA Exceptional Performance Award: Sustainability Nomination packet Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. 25 Jufn!9/ 2022 APWA EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE AWARD: SUSTAINABILITY CITY OF FRIDLEY, MN NOMINATION SUBMITTAL 26 Jufn!9/ Introduction The City of Fridley, Minnesota is an inner-ring Twin Cities Metropolitan Area community with a population of approximately 29,500 residents. The City prides itself on being a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for its residents and businesses. Sustainability is a core value of the City environmental commission. Within the past few years, the City of Fridley has advanced numerous sustainability initiatives including adopting an Energy Action Plan and a Living Streets policy, passing a Pollinator Friendly resolution, and increasing support for environmental outreach programs. As a administered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) This submittal outlines the City’s recent advances in sustainability practices in the following focus areas: water resources, natural resources, active transportation, energy, solid waste management, and community involvement. Community Character lived and traveled along the shores of the river and Rice Creek, which were then settled in the early an important ferry crossing and trading outpost. While the river in Fridley is no longer used for transportation, it remains an important recreational and scenic destination. Additionally, the raw water intakes for Minneapolis’ and St. Paul’s drinking water are located along the river in Fridley. These Besides water and parks, the other key factor in Fridley’s physical development has been access to transportation. The city is crossed by multiple highways, an interstate, commuter rail, and the BNSF rail line. While these routes make Fridley a transportation powerhouse, the physical impact of these features leads to many neighborhood planning challenges. While the city was planned and developed pedestrian crossings, and is implementing an approved ADA Transition Plan to improve transportation options by foot, bike, and transit. Fridley is proud to provide its residents a high quality of life. In a community-wide survey conducted 27 2 Jufn!9/ Economy and Redevelopment is shaped by large employers such as Medtronic, BAE Systems, Minco, and Cummins which attract and an event center. Northern Stacks under construction districts, and purchase property to facilitate redevelopment. Additionally, the HRA reinvests millions the Center for Energy and Environment. The percent change in Fridley’s taxable property market value Financial Stability Moody’s assigned the City of Fridley an AA2 bond rating in 2020. The City prepares a Performance Measurement Report using criteria developed by the Minnesota Legislature’s Council on Local Results and Innovation on an annual basis. The City’s Capital Investment Fund allows the City to self-fund 28 Jufn!9/ General: Market Value, Code Enforcement, Bond Rating Fire & EMS Services: Rating, Response Times, Calls, Fire DataPublic Works: Streets, Water and Sanitary Sewer Water Resources Springbrook Creek, and East and West Moore Lake. Additionally, the groundwater located beneath the city serves as its drinking water source. the City’s commitment to protecting and enhancing these water resources. In addition to the routine • • Creek Watershed District (RCWD) • surface and installation of a hydrodynamic device which removes 25,000 pounds of TSS annually in partnership with the Coon Creek Watershed District (CCWD) • the RCWD • partnership with the RCWD th Before and after 69 Avenue road diet Where possible, the City incorporates water quality improvement into other types of large scale 29 Jufn!9/ The City’s new Civic Campus, was designed around a large open water feature with three ponds and an iron enhanced sand and biochar system. This pond system is hydraulically connected to Rice Creek and restores a historic treating all of the stormwater View of Fridley City Hall from Civic Campus Pond ponds are circumnavigated by a trail loop, making it a recreational amenity in addition to a water quality feature. support from the CCWD, redesigned the park to install a series of basins from active play areas and property, daylight a storm sewer to provide water quality treatment, and improve the park experience. Additionally, the City has also partnered with watershed districts and the Anoka Conservation District Springbrook Creek and is currently Aerial view of Craig Park project during construction Norton Creek. 2: 5 Jufn!9/ Chloride Reduction Starting with a grant from the MWMO in plow trucks with pre-wet equipment and regularly used plow trucks have been upgraded. Additionally, the Public Works department uses an anti-ice trailer to prevent the accumulation of ice and thereby reduce the amount of chlorides needed for winter maintenance. All plow operators attend smart salting trainings on chloride management. educational displays at the Springbrook Nature Center. Groundwater Conservation The Fridley Water Division operates eleven primary water supply wells and three water treatment plants in order to supply the city with safe drinking water. Fridley has taken proactive steps to conserve its groundwater supply in order to ensure its sustainability into the future including: • Employing increasing block rate structure in its • Constructing a reclaim basin which recycles an average of 25 million gallons of water annually as part of an expansion of its Locke Park Water Treatment Plant (2020) • Partnering with the Metropolitan Council to Construction of Locke WTP backwash reclaim basin • Partnering with the Minnesota Department of • 31 Jufn!9/ General: Market Value, Code Enforcement, Bond Rating Natural ResourcesPublic Works: Streets, Water and Sanitary Sewer into the city’s quality of life. The Fridley Public Works Department takes a progressive approach to ensure the sustainability of its natural resources, with a particular focus on the management of trees and pollinator habitats. Urban Forestry The City of Fridley’s Public Works Department oversees numerous forestry activities in order maintenance, the City has undertaken the following urban forestry activities in recent years: •Completed an inventory of all City-managed park and right-of-way trees •Developed an Emerald Ash Borer Implementation Plan •Contracted to chemically treat all high quality City-managed ash trees on a two-to-three year cycle to protect against emerald ash borer •Coordinated with a local contractor to provide reduced cost residential ash treatment •Begun removing poor quality City-managed ash trees and replanting with more resilient species at •Coordinated numerous volunteer tree plantings Pollinator Habitat Enhancement the City committed to installing more pollinator habitat in pollinator plantings. Since that time the City has: •Installed multiple pollinator patches in City parks • Prairie planting at Civic Campus •Planted a multi-acre prairie at the new Civic Campus •Partnered with Anoka Conservation District on a Lawns to Legumes grant resulting in more than •Partnered with MnDOT to install native plantings, trees, and vegetative fencing within the medians •Installed an active demonstration honeybee hive on the roof of Public Works building 32 Jufn!9/ General: Market Value, Code Enforcement, Bond Rating Active Transportation In 2020, the Fridley City Council adopted the second edition of the City’s Active Transportation Fridley residents and visitors of all ages, abilities, and socio- economic status will feel safe and comfortable using the city’s active transportation infrastructure to walk, bike, and roll for transportation and outdoor recreation.” of sidewalks and trails. The plan is supplemented by approved Safe Routes to Schools Plans for all schools within the Fridley Public School District. The City regularly partners with MnDOT, Anoka County, and Fridley Public Schools on the construction of sidewalk and trails. Recently completed •Main Street Bridge- A new pedestrian bridge was •Civic Campus Trail- A system of trails through the new Civic Campus and along University Avenue was constructed to provide improved regional trail and •West Moore Lake Trail- A grade-separated trail was constructed to provide improved access to Fridley st • crossing improvements between Fridley Middle School and Fridley High School were constructed • Installation of Main Street Bridge Before and after construction of 7th Street Trail 33 Jufn!9/ • University Avenue Trail- A road diet to provide improved trail facilities in an area of high vehicle • improved access to the Fridley Community Center, nearby schools, and parks (2022) • • F-Line Bus Rapid Transit- the City is partnering with Metro Transit to replace an existing local bus route with a Bus Rapid The City also advances Active Transportation through outreach methods including: • Printing and distributing trail maps in English and Spanish • Division • Community bike ride Community Workshops • Hosting annual helmet clinics to provide low cost helmets and information on bike skills • Partnership between the Public Safety Department and the Fridley and Columbia Heights Rotary Club on an annual free bikes giveaway. Bike Helmet and Safety Clinic 34 9 Jufn!9/ General: Market Value, Code Enforcement, Bond Rating Energy Fridley to help Cities develop and implement community energy plans. The City worked with a coalition of residents, businesses, and institutions to develop an energy plan that set a goal of reducing energy. Achievements around energy since the Plan’s adoption include: • conservation programming • • Over 20% participation by eligible properties in the Multi-Family Building • Participation in more than 50 free assessment programs by businesses following targeted outreach • to all residents at a manufactured housing community • and energy assistance information at annual Energy Breakfast for Fridley Business Community Coats from Cops event • Hosted two energy breakfasts for the business community • • Provided 50% buy-down of residential Home Energy Squad’s energy assessments through the Fridley HRA • Began new insulation rebate program for residential properties through the Fridley HRA heated with renewable geothermal energy. During the planning for the new Civic Campus buildings, 35 Jufn!9/ the City participated in Xcel Energy’s Energy Design Assistance (EDA) Program to go above and resulting design provides an estimated annual was able to be allocated toward art and other amenities that could not be purchased through the buildings’ main funding sources. Additional amenities at the Civic Campus include the use of solar lights at the Civic Campus playground which saves on energy and conduit costs as well as a Solar light in the background of Civic Campus Playground Level 2 electric vehicle charger funded through a Volkswagen Settlement Fund grant from the MPCA. portion of its landscaping equipment, starting with the replacement of two cycle chainsaws and string 36 Jufn!9/ General: Market Value, Code Enforcement, Bond Rating Solid Waste Management The City of Fridley began curbside recycling long before there were mandates to do so and to this day separated organics program. Participants in this program divert more than 500 pounds of food waste waste reduction activities: • events annually to provide low cost opportunities to recycle bulky waste •Fix-It Clinics in partnership with Anoka County Recycles to provide reuse opportunities •Parks recycling at neighborhood and community parks •Post-Halloween pumpkin recycling which collects more than two tons of pumpkins annually •Winter holiday lights recycling which collects more than •Free compostable plateware and bags for neighborhood block captains to be used during Night to Unite to encourage low-waste events •Compostable plateware and bags for purchase during park shelter rentals •Free rental of recycling and organics containers 37 Jufn!9/ General: Market Value, Code Enforcement, Bond Rating Community Involvement The City’s advancement of sustainability is empowered and supported by the actions that residents take on their own property. To that end, the City ensures that its City Code facilitates best practices including allowing landscaping with native plants and gardens, encouraging local food production by permitting the raising of chickens and bees, and allowing attached solar by right. Fridley also through its citywide communication channels, targeted outreach, and programming. Springbrook Nature Center Environmental Events Springbrook Nature Center is also the host site for the partners and hundreds of guests to share and learn about the environment. Throughout the year, the City also hosts a variety of smaller educational events around sustainability. Recent topics have included: winter biking, a tour of an industrial compost facility, community bike rides, planting with bee lawns, and more. SNC Interpretative Center and programming Volunteerism Fridley has multiple opportunities for volunteering around sustainability including: • and council on environmental policy and programming. • • • 38 Jufn!9/ Project Outreach community members are informed throughout the construction process. Within the past few years, increase engagement, and strive for equity. The City also quickly pivoted outreach strategies due to • • • • feedback into an ongoing PEL study with MnDOT with additional outreach including at bus stops •Craig Park- Virtual presentation with an opportunity to provide comments online combined with an outdoor event on-site. Resident feedback was used to determine park amenities and trail •Active construction: During active construction, communication is sent by e-mail, mail, and door hangers to ensure that all residents receive information (ongoing) Outreach activities 39 Jufn!9/ Project Spotlight: Fridley Civic Campus The Fridley Civic Campus, which opened and Public Safety building, a Public Works an open water feature, a playground, Year. The Civic Campus includes a number of sustainability measures mentioned below: • An water quality best management practice comprised of a series of ponds and a bio-char and • A brine mixer allowing for the use of pre-wet and anti-icing during winter maintenance activities • baseline • Bird safe glass within the Council Chambers • A publicly-available electric vehicle charger • • Solar and LED lighting • Large scale prairie planting • A working demonstration honeybee hive • A series of trails providing improved access to parks and a regional trail • Organics recycling • A community orchard (planned for construction in 2022) 3: