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1/14/2025 Environmental Quality and Energy Commission January 14, 2025 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 December 10, 2024 New Business 2.Pet Waste Program (Presentation by Coon Creek Watershed District) 3.Proclamation for Winter Salt Week Old Business 4.Energy Action Plan Updates 5.Grant Updates 6.Outreach and Events Updates Other Items 7.Creation of Sustainability-Focused Recognition Program 8.Informal Status Reports Adjournment Accessibility Notice: If you need free interpretation or translation assistance, please contact City staff. Si necesita ayuda de interpretación o traduccióngratis, comuníquese con el personal de la ciudad. Yog tias koj xav tau kev pab txhais lus los sis txhais ntaub ntawv dawb, ces thov tiv tauj rau Lub Nroog cov neeg ua hauj lwm. Haddii aad u baahan tahay tarjumaad bilaash ah ama kaalmo tarjumaad, fadlan laxiriir shaqaalaha Magaalada. 1 Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Agenda Page 2 1/14/2025 Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in any City of Fridley services, programs or activities. Hearing impaired persons who need an interpreter or other persons who require auxiliary aids should contact CityClerk@FridleyMN.gov or (763) 572-3450. 2 Jufn!2/ AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date:January14, 2025 Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Title Approve the Minutes from the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission meeting of December 10, 2024 Background Approve the minutes from the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission meeting of December 10, 2024 Recommendation Approve the minutes from the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission meeting of December 10, 2024 Attachments and Other Resources Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Minutes-December10, 2024 Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. 3 Jufn!2/ ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MEETING December10,2024 7:00 PM Fridley Civic Campus, 7071 University Ave N.E. MINUTES Call to Order Chair Klemzcalled the Environmental Quality and Energy Commissionto order at7:03 p.m. Roll Call Present:Aaron Klemz Sam Stoxen Heidi Ferris Mark Hansen Absent: Justin Foell Avonna Starck Others Present: Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Cara Clagget, PYP Coordinator-Hayes Elementary Approval of Agenda Motionby CommissionerUpdate on Partnership between Growing Green Hearts and Fridley Public Schools. Secondedby Commissioner Hansen.The motion carried unanimously. Motion by Commissioner Stoxen to approve the agenda as amended. Seconded by Commissioner Ferris.The motion carriedunanimously. Approval of Meeting Minutes 1.Approval of November12,2024 EnvironmentalQuality and Energy Commission Meeting Minutes Motionby CommissionerHasen to approvethe November12,2024meeting minutes. Secondedby CommissionerStoxen.The motion carriedunanimously. New Business 2.Update on Partnership between Growing Green Hearts and Fridley Public Schools Cara Clagget of Hayes Elementary School presented ontheenvironmental work being conducted by students of Hayes Elementaryand how it isintegrated into the schoolIB curriculum. 3.Renewable Energy Ordinance Language 4 Jufn!2/ Environmental Quality & Energy Commission Minutes Page 2 Meeting 12/10/2024 Ms. Workin shared proposed ordinance language related to renewable energy to be incorporated as . The Commissioners discussed the need to incorporate a drainage plan into the conditions for a conditional use permit for a ground mounted solar array. The Commissioners discussed recommending that native plants be established underneath ground mounted solar arrays, but not require it by ordinance, and suggested that information on beneficial habitat under arrays be included on the website. It was also recommended that trees being removed during the installation of the ground mounted arrays be replaced with opportunities for cash in lieu if there is not available planting space. Motion by Commissioner Ferris to approve the proposed Renewable Energy Ordinance Language with the proposed additions of a requirement for a drainage plan and tree replacement plan. Seconded by Commissioner Stoxen. The Motion passed unanimously. Old Business 4. Energy Action Plan updates Ms. Workin shared that the City submitted grant applications for solar on the Commons Park and Public Works building. She also shared that the City had submitted the Energy Efficient Buildings program application for Commons Park and was reviewing the report. 5. Grant Updates Ms. Workin shared that no grants had been awarded or denied in the past month. 6. Outreach and Event updates Ms. Workin shared that the Environmental Fun Fair had been scheduled for May 17. Other Items 7. Informal Status Reports Ms. Workin shared that the City was working with Bauer Brothers to salvage playground equipment in its park projects. Ms. Workin shared that Minnesota Commercial Rail received a $15.8 million grant to be used toward replacing its existing trains, including the one in Fridley, with a new train meeting Tier 4 standards. Ms. Workin shared that the City will be accepting applications for the vacancy on the EQEC will extend a few more days. Ms. Workin shared that MnDOT will be hosting a virtual meeting on TH47 on December 13 on the TH47 project. Mr. Hansen shared that a working group of the American Public Works Association- MN was considered strategies to reduce public carbon. Commissioner Klemz shared that he would be facilitating a webinar on climate resilience and climate hope and would share the link to interested members. 5 Jufn!2/ Environmental Quality & Energy Commission Minutes Page 3 Meeting 12/10/2024 Commissioner Ferris outreach initiatives. Commissioner Klemz shared that the state would be participating in Winter Salt Week. Ms. Workin shared that she would suggest the idea of doing a proclamation for the Fridley City Council. Adjournment Motion by Commissioner Ferris to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Hansen. The Motion carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:22 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ________________________________________________________ Rachel Workin Environmental Planner 6 Jufn!3/ AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date:January14, 2025 Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Title Pet Waste Program Background Uncollected pet waste is a potential pollutant of our comes into contact with pet waste, harmful bacteria and phosphorus can leach into the waterand cause negative health impacts for humans and other animals. County Ditch 17 (SpringbrookCreek) is listed by the MPCA as impaired for aquatic life due to phosphorus contamination andaquatic recreation due to bacterial contamination. To help address these impairments,Coon Creek Watershed District (CCWD) installedthree pet waste collection stations inthe Springbrook Creek subwatershed in Fridley to encourage dog walkers to pick up and properly disposeof their pet waste. CCWD has successfullyimplemented this program in three othersubwatersheds, collecting over 55,000pounds of pet waste since 2021. Staff from Coon Creek Watershed District will be presenting on the goals and results of this program. Recommendation For informational purposes only 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!4/ AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date:January14, 2025 Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Title Proclamation for Winter Salt Week Background There is growing awareness of the negative impacts from chloride (salt)pollution on waterbodies.Excess salt can alter the taste of drinking water, increase the cost of drinking water treatment, and harm aquatic ecosystems. Once surface or groundwater is contaminated with chlorides, there is no cost-effective treatment method. In 2024,Springbrook Creek was newly listed as impaired for aquatic life by the MPCA due to excess chlorides. While chlorides are necessary to maintain safe driving and walking conditions throughoutthe winter, it is estimated that current chloride use can be reduced by30-50% through the implementation of best practices without compromising safety. In 2019, theCity began upgrading its salt trucks with brine systems and automatic vehicle locating technology to reduce its chloride useand requires all and has since seen significant reductions in the quantity of deicer use and the associated cost.The City also requires allPublic Works staff who apply chlorides to attend training through the Smart Salting program. Additionally, the City updated Chapter 504 Winter Maintenance during the recodification process to include language on bulk deicer storage and accumulated deicer removal. One of the biggest drivers of oversalting is public perception that increasedsalt leads to greater safety, which is only true up to a certain pointand certain scenarios. Growing initiatives including Low Salt, No Salt Minnesota aim to highlightchloride pollution and share strategies to safely reduce chloride use. Communities throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin as well as the State of Minnesota are designating the th week of January 27as Winter Salt Week to provide united messaging aroundchloride pollution. During Winter Salt Week, the City willshare information on salt pollution through its outreach channelsto build on previous education initiatives including annual newsletter articles, displaying Smart Salting Exhibit at Springbrook Nature Center, and hosting Smart Salting Trainings for contractors. Additionally, Commission and Councilmembers are encouraged to attend webinars throughout Winter Salt Week aboutsalt pollution and mitigationas well asthe Minnesota Pollution Control virtualSmart Salting: Community Leaders Workshop on January 31 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. More information and registration can be found at https://www.pca.state.mn.us/business-with-us/smart-salting-training. Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. 8 Jufn!4/ Recommendation Staff recommend that the commission approve the draft proclamation language designating January 27-31 as Winter Salt Week Attachments and Other Resources Draft Proclamation Language Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. 9 Jufn!4/ PROCLAMATION: WINTER SALT WEEK JANUARY 27-31, 2025 WHEREAS, the City of Fridley relies on deicing salt as part of its winter maintenance program to maintain safe and accessible roadways; and WHEREAS, chloride contamination from deicing salt has been found in lakes, streams, and groundwater in watersheds and across the state; and WHEREAS, reducing overuse of deicing salt reduces damage to infrastructure and property, protects freshwater resources, and reduces harm to aquatic plants and animals; and WHEREAS, it is crucial to raise awareness among residents, businesses, and local government agencies about the responsible use of deicing salt to protect both public safety and the long-term health of our freshwater resources; and WHEREAS, Winter Salt Week provides an opportunity to educate our community about the responsible use of deicing salt, including environmental considerations and effective application methods; and WHEREAS, the City encourages all residents, businesses, and city departments to take part in activities and initiatives that promote the responsible use of deicing salt and encourage the adoption of winter maintenance strategies which maintain safety while reducing environmental harm; and WHEREAS, the City is committed to promoting a sustainable approach to winter maintenance for the benefit of present and future generations; NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved, that I, David Ostwald, Mayor for the City of Fridley do hereby proclaim January 27-31, 2025 as Winter Salt Week in the City of Fridley In witness whereof, I have set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Fridley to be affixed this 27th Day of January, 2025. __________________________________ David Ostwald, Mayor 10 Jufn!5/ AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date:January14, 2025 Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Title Energy Action Plan Updates Background At the November 9, 2021 meeting, the EQECrecommended adoption of Phase 2 of the Energy Action Plan. The following activities were completed since the previous EQEC Meeting: ICF to begin performing HES visits Recommendations fromEnergy Efficient Buildings report incorporated intoCommons Park Solar on Public Buildings for Moore Lake grant executed Local Climate Action grant for EV Charger at Moore Lake submitted Climate Resilience grant including solar-powered benches at Commons Park submitted The following activities are projectedto occur: Electric Landscaping Equipment campaign(note Xcel now offering rebates on electric landscaping equipment) Homeowner Open House (Tabling by HES, Inflation Reduction Act Ambassadors, Light Bulb Giveway) 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. 11 Jufn!6/ AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date:January14,2025 Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy 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 None Grants Under Review Solar for Public Buildings Grant for Commons Park Solar for Public Buildings Grant for Public Works Wood Waste Utilization Grant for Custom Furniture Piece at Commons Park MPCA-Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Grants for Moore Lake Stormwater Retrofit Analysis Update in partnership with RCWD MPCA Climate Resilience Implementation Grant for Commons Park Local Climate Action Grant for an EV Charger at Moore Lake Park Active Grants Recycling grant (ongoing) th Met Council Regional Solicitation Grant for 44Avenue Bridge w/ Anoka County University Avenue Lighting Project MnDOT Active Transportation grant for University Avenue Trails DNR Preparing for Emerald Ash Borer Grant Pt. 3 DNR ReLeaf Grant Safe Streets and Roads for All Planning Grant to create a Safety Action Plan DNR Shade Tree Grant MPCA Resiliency Grant for Electric Lawn Mower CCWD grant for improved street sweeping equipment Sylvan Hills Park stormwater system Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. 12 Jufn!6/ 2024 Street Project Rain Gardens Met Council Water Efficiency Grant pt 4 MPCA Electric Landscaping Equipment Campaign Solar for Public Buildings Grant for Moore Lake Regional Solicitation Grant- Safe Routes to School BWSR Pollinator Pathways Grant with ACD Grants Closed (1/1/2025+) BWSR/RCWD grant for Moore Lake IESF project 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. 13 Jufn!7/ AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date: January15,2025 Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Title Outreach and Events 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 (12/10-1/14) th Presentation on MS4 to North Park Elementary School 4Graders Confirmed events and topics Winterfest (1/25) HRA Open House (3/19) Environmental Fun Fair (5/17) Potential Upcoming Events Seed Swap 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. 14 Jufn!8/ AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date:January14, 2024 Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Title Creation of Sustainability-Focused Recognition Program Background Recognition programs can be a positive way to highlight successful programs, provide case studies, and build community relationships. Some communities have adopted sustainability award programs: https://www.edenprairie.org/community/sustainable-eden-prairie/sustainable-eden-prairie-award https://www.southstpaul.org/919/Sustainability-Recognition-Program Recommendation For consideration in advance of discussion at the February meeting. Attachments and Other Resources None Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. 15 Jufn!9/ AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date:January14, 2025 Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Title Informal Status Reports Background Staff and Commissioners will share informal statusreports 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. 16