EQEA 12/13/2022
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY
COMMISSION MEETING
December 13, 2022
7:00 PM
Fridley Civic Campus, 7071 University Ave N.E.
AGENDA
Call to Order
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Meeting Minutes
1.Approve the Minutes from the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission meeting of
September 13, 2022
New Business
2.University Avenue Service Road Trail Project
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3.61Avenue Parklet
Old Business
4.Energy Action Plan Updates
5.Event and Outreach Updates
6.Grant Updates
Other Items
7.Planning Commission updates
8.Informal Status Reports
Adjournment
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AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date:December13,2022 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 ofSeptember
13, 2022
Background
Approve the Minutes from the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission meeting of September
13, 2022.
Recommendation
Approve the Minutes from the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission meeting of September
13, 2022.
Attachments and Other Resources
Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Minutes-September13, 2022.
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
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ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY
COMMISSION MEETING
September13, 2022
7:00 PM
Banfill Room,Fridley Civic Campus
MINUTES
Call to Order
CHAIR DRITZ called the commission to order at7:03PM
Present
Amy Dritz
Sam Stoxen
Nick Olberding
Mark Hansen
Justin Foell
Heidi Ferris
Stacy Stromberg, Planning Manager
Jessica Leverty, Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator-Anoka County Parks
Approval of Agenda
MOTION by Commissioner Olberdingto APPROVE the September13,2022,meeting agenda.
SECONDEDby Commission Hansen.The MOTION PASSED unanimously.
Approval of Meeting Minutes
1.MOTION by CommissionerStoxento APPROVE the August 15, 2022,meeting minutes.
SECONDED by CommissionerOlberding.The MOTION PASSED unanimously.
New Business
2.Anoka County Aquatic Invasive Species Program
program, which includes education and outreach events, watercraft inspections, the prevention grant
program, and monitoring and early detection. Jessica also reviewed the types of aquatic invasive
species typically found in Minnesota lakes.
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Environmental Quality & Energy Commission Minutes Page 2
Meeting 9/13/2022
3.!Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Ms. Stromberg gave a presentation on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), describing what they are and
what the City code allows. Ms. Stromberg then answered questions of the Commissioners.
Old Business
Other Items
4.!Informal Status Reports
Commissioner Foell shared a few pictures he took at a conference in San Diego that were related to an
electric vehicle charging outlet and trash disposal options. Containers were marked with the following
options: compost, recycle, paper or landfill for attendees to dispose of their trash.
Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Stoxen to adjourn the meeting SECONDED by Commissioner Olberding. The
MOTION PASSED unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:32 PM.
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AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date:December 13,2022 Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy
(EQEC) Commission
Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner
Title
University Avenue Service Road Trail Project
Background
nd
In 2019-2020, the EQEC assisted in the development of the 2edition of the Active Transportation Plan.
This plan identified having walk/bike facilities on both sides of University Avenue as a priority. As part of
the University Avenue Service Road Traffic Changes project,the City will be converting portions of the
University Avenue Service Rd W to one-way traffic. The newly available space in the road right of way
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provides an opportunity to install trail facilities on the westside of University between 61Avenue and
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theRegional Trail at 69Avenue, including a bridge crossing of Rice Creek., where there currently are
none.
MnDOT is currently accepting applications for grants to construct Active Transportation infrastructure.
Recommendation
Approve the attached letter of support for the University Avenue Service Rd Trail Project to construct
stth
a multi-use trail along University Avenue Service Rd W between 61Avenue and 69Avenue.
Attachments and Other Resources
Project exhibit
Draft letter of support
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
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MISSISSIPPI ST NE
3
R
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SATELLITE LN NE
MERCURY DR NE
EXISTING
PLANTINGS
SYLVAN LN NE
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AREA AVAILABLE
FOR ADDITIONAL
LANDSCAPE
BUFFER
AA
61ST AVENUE
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UNIVERSITY AVENUE SERVICE ROAD CHANGES - 61ST AVENUE TO RICE CREEK TERRACE
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0
100
SCALE IN FEET
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E
K
T
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R
A
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EXISTING
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PLANTINGS
PLAZA CURVE NE
AREA
AVAILABLE
FOR
ADDITIONAL
LANDSCAPING
BUFFER
AA
9
UNIVERSITY AVENUE SERVICE ROAD CHANGES - 67TH AVENUE TO RICE CREEK TERRACE
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City of Fridley
Attn: Jim Kosluchar, Director of Public Works and Engineering
7071 University Ave NE
Fridley MN 55432
December 13, 2022
Re: Active Transportation Infrastructure Program Grant Solicitation
Dear Mr. Kosluchar,
On behalf of the ronmental Quality and Energy Commission (EQEC), I am
writing to express our support for construction of a trail along the westside of Trunk Highway 47
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between 61 Avenue and 69 Avenue. The EQEC is tasked with advising the City on
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Transportation Plan. This plan lists the westside of University Avenue as a priority segment for
active transportation improvements. Trunk Highway 47 and Rice Creek are listed as Regional
Bicycle Barriers by the Metropolitan Council and are a significant barrier for alternative
transportation within the City. Installing improved facilities and a creek crossing in this location
would provide an important link between high-density housing, parks, transit, and existing trails;
improve safety; and, address a barrier to movement in the City
Sincerely,
Amy Dritz, Chair
Fridley Environmental Quality and Energy Commission
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AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date:December 13,2022 Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy
(EQEC) Commission
Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner
Title
st
61Avenue Parklet
Background
st
The City of Fridley purchased the property in the northeast quadrant of the University Avenue and 61
Avenuefollowing a tax forfeiture. Due to the proximity of the site to a Park and Ride lot, transit,
sidewalk/trails and multi-family housing, staff are proposing to improve the site for multimodal
users/pilot a suburban micromobility hub. A potential concept plan has been developed.
MnDOT is currently accepting applications for grant fundingto constructstreetside activation projects to
grow interest in active transportation and help communities test new ideas. The proposed goals forthe
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61Avenue parcel are consistent with the goals of the grant.
Recommendation
Approve the attached letter of support for an Active TransportationProgram Quick-Build project for
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streetside activation at the 61Avenue Parklet.
Attachments and Other Resources
Concept plan
Draft letter of support
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
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City of Fridley
Attn: Scott Hickok, Community Development Director
7071 University Ave NE
Fridley MN 55432
December 13, 2022
Re: Active Transportation Quick-Build Technical Assistance Application
Dear Mr. Hickok,
On behalf of the City of ronmental Quality and Energy Commission (EQEC), I am
writing to express our support for -Build Project Technical
Assistance Grant Application for improvements to the City-owned parcel at 6061 University Ave
NE adjacent to Trunk Highway 47. This site presents an exciting opportunity to pilot a
micromobility hub in a suburban area and to improve amenities for multi-modal users.
Sincerely,
Amy Dritz, Chair
Fridley Environmental Quality and Energy Commission
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AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date:December13,2022 Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy
(EQEC) Commission
Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner
Title
Energy Action Plan Updates
Background
At the November 9, 2021meeting, the EQEC recommended adoption of Phase 2 of the Energy Action
Plan. The following activities were completed this past month:
Have issued 18 insulation rebates to date
Completed business blitz with Center for Energy and Environment visiting more than 75
properties
Rental Division)
Sent business newsletter with energy information
The following activities are projectedin the next month:
Newsletter article with energy information in May
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.
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AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date:December13, 2022 Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy
(EQEC) Commission
Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner
Title
Event and Outreach Updates
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 (8/9-12/13)
Kids Book Swap-(8/10 before Kids Concert)
Park Plaza Pollinator Patch Planting Event (9/17)
Confirmed events and topics
Recycling Events (5 in 2023)
WinterFest (1/14)
HRA Open House (2/8)
Environmental Fun Fair (4/22)
Potential Upcoming Events
Kids Book Swap
Water-Themed Summer Concert
Pollinator Planting at Moore Lake
5 year Anniversary Celebration for Civic Campus
Recommendation
Commissioners should discuss if there are other community events that are a priority, what topics
should be highlighted, and ifthere 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.
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AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date:December13,2022 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 Commissionersupdates on sustainability grants held by the City.
New items are highlighted in yellow.
Grants in the Pre-Application Stage
CCWD grant for Apex Pond improvements
MnDOT Active Transportation Pilot Grant
MnDOT Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant
Moore Lake Native Plant Restoration
Grants Under Review
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Met Council Regional Solicitation Grant for 44Avenue Bridge w/ Anoka County(approved by
Met Council, waiting for signatures)
Active Grants
Recycling grant (ongoing)
BWSR/RCWD grant for Moore Lake IESF project
RCWD grant for road diet on University Ave Service Rd
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LRIP grant for 53Avenue Trail Project
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RS grant for 7St Trail Project(missing section in front of Community Center, will resume
following school release)
University Avenue Lighting Project
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Met Council Climate Mitigation grant for feasibility study of 73Ave
BWSR HELPP grant for native plant restoration on Commons Park hillside
Met Council Water Efficiency Grant pt 3
Grants Closed (1/1/2021+)
SHIP grant for wayfinding kiosk
MDH Well Sealing Grant
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.
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!CCWD grant for Craig Park improvements
!Lawns to Legumes grant for Craig Park Bee Lawn
!RCWD grant for 6 raingardens in Rice Creek Terrace neighborhood
!Lawns to Legumes Demonstration Neighborhood Grant (ACD grant in partnership with Coon
Rapids, and Lino Lakes)
!SHIP grant for Civic Campus orchard
!RCWD grant for sumps in Farr Lake neighborhood
!CCWD grant for hydrodynamic separator in 2022 Street Project Area
!Met Council Water Efficiency Grant pt 2
!DNR grant for mitigating impacts of EAB
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.
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AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date:December13, 2022 Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy
(EQEC) Commission
Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner
Title
Planning Commission updates
Background
Chair Dritz or Commissioner Hansen will provide updates on items before the Planning Commission.
Recommendation
None
Attachments and Other Resources
None
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
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AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date:December13, 2022 Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy
(EQEC) Commission
Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner
Title
Informal Status Reports
Background
Staff and Commissioners will share informal status reports on programs happening in the City.
Recommendation
None
Attachments and Other Resources
None
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
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