EQEM 03/14/2023
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY
COMMISSION MEETING
March14, 2023
7:00 PM
Fridley Civic Campus, 7071 University Ave N.E.
MINUTES
Call to Order
Chair AmyDritzcalled the Environmental Quality and Energy Commissionto order at7:02p.m.
Roll Call
Present:Amy Dritz
Sam Stoxen
Nick Olberding
Justin Foell
Aaron Klemz
Absent:Heidi Ferris, Mark Hansen
Others Present: Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner
Approval of Agenda
Motionby CommissionerKlemzto approvethe meeting agenda. Secondedby Commissioner
Olberding.The motion carriedunanimously.
Approval of Meeting Minutes
1.Approval of February7, 2023Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Meeting Minutes
Motionby CommissionerKlemzto approvethe February7, 2023meeting minutes. secondedby
CommissionerStoxen.The motion carriedunanimously.
New Business
2.Recodification of Chapter 105 Landscape Maintenance to Chapter 304 Landscape Maintenance
Motionby CommissionerKlemzto approvethis item
to ensure that plants falling within that definition provide the same ecological function as native plants.
Secondedby CommissionerStoxen. Themotion carriedunanimously.
3.Recodification of Chapter 104Tree Maintenanceto Chapter 319 Tree Maintenance
Commissioner Foell notedin the chapter. Motionby
Commissioner Klemz to approve this item.Secondedby CommissionerFoell. The motion carried
unanimously.
Environmental Quality & Energy Commission Minutes Page 2
Meeting 3/14/2023
4. Ethylene Oxide from Commercial Sterilizers
Ms. Workin provided background on ethylene oxide emissions from commercial sterilizers.
Old Business
5. Grant Updates
Ms. Workin shared that the City received grant funding for the street sweepings screener, Apex Pond,
st
and the 61 Avenue Parklet.
6. Event and Outreach updates
Ms. Workin shared that the HRA open house was very successful. She also said that the City was
planning to offer native plants as part of the 2023 Tree Sale.
7. Energy Action Plan updates
Ms. Workin shared that the City presented the SolSmart bronze award to the City Council on February
27. She also said that the WindUp Challenge had started March 1
g
out in the next couple of weeks which should also increase participation. Ms. Workin shared that the
City was awarded most rebates received per capita for 2022of the 26 cities that partner with Xcel
Energy.
Other Items
8. Informal Status Reports
Ms. Workin reminded the Commissioners of the appreciation dinner on April 17. Commissioner Foell
shared that a local kayaking group was planning a clean up event on Rice Creek and would share more
information as available. Commissioner Foell also asked for more information to be provided.
Commissioner Foell shared that he has been seeing a bill credit from Xcel Energy for participation in
renewable energy programs. Commissioner Klemz said that he has been looking into models for city
ordinances related to building deconstruction. He shared that Milwaukee and Portland have ordinances
Adjournment
Motion by Commissioner Stoxen to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Olberding. The
Motion carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:04 PM.