12/16/1997 - 00003765CITY OF FRIDLEY
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MEETING
DECEMBER 16, 1997
CALL TO ORDER:
Vice-Chairperson Svanda called the December 16, 1997, meeting to order at 7:32 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present: Rich Svanda, Bruce Bondow, Jack Velin, Dean Saba,
Peter Panchyshyn
Members Absent: Brad Sielaff, Rosalie Landt
Others Present: Julie Jones, Recycling Coordinator
APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 18, 1997, ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY
COMMISSION MINUTES:
MOTION by Mr. Saba. seconded by Mr. Velin, to approve the November 18, 1997,
Environmental Quality & Energy Commission minutes as written.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, VICE-CHAIRPERSON SVANDA
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
1. NEW BUSINESS:
a. Discussion of Marketing Plans for Recycling Center
Ms. Jones explained the details of the memo enclosed in the packet. She
distributed additional data regarding 1997 tonnage data and 1997 aluminum
customer data.
The prime business location of the Recycling Center was discussed. Mr.
Bondow asked why the City shouldn't just lease or sell the site to a private
recycler if there is interest.
Ms. Jones explained that a private recycler would not continue to collect the
"curbside" type recyclables that the City does because there is no profit in those
materials. The City would also not be able to meet its County recycling goals
without the tonnages from the Recycling Center.
The aluminum pricing structure at competing facilities was discussed.
Mr. Saba suggested implementing a pricing structure that offers higher pricing
for large volumes.
Possible reasons for decreasing tonnage of all materials were discussed and
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MINUTES
DECEMBER 16, 1997 PAGE 2
debated.
Ms. Jones reported that she was able to complete an analysis of aluminum
customer activity through November. She found that the average number of
customers per day only fluctuated from about 30-45 customers per day
throughout the year, and the average pounds/customer stayed consistent each
month around 20 pounds/customer. April and October were high aluminum
quantity collection months, however. She stated she believed it should be a
goal in 1998 to get the average pounds/customer up to 25 pounds.
The various goals proposed by staff were discussed. The Commission was in
general agreement with all of them.
Mr. Saba noted that it would be especially beneficial if the City could offer some
sort of bonus to the school groups collecting cans if they exceeded a certain
level.
Ms. Jones stated she hoped to some day implement a computerized system that
would allow customers to donate their aluminum revenue to a variety of
charitable organizations.
The Commission members were also in agreement with staff's marketing ideas.
There was some debate about what might best attract customers during Earth
Week. There was interest in having one big prize drawing and than having a
small gift for each customer. Ms. Jones stated she would research more
options.
b. Update on 1997 Goals and Objectives/Workplan
Ms. Jones went through each step of the 1997 Commission workplan, explaining
the related accomplishments to date. All in all, the Commission believed the City
did a good job in meeting the goals and objectives.
After review of the workplan, Ms. Jones gave the Commission more information
about the 1998 Council survey. She reported that Barbara Dacy had spoken to
the City Manager, William Burns, about the survey. Mr. Burns had indicated that
he was unsure if the survey will be conducted again next year. Ms. Jones
explained that the City Manager normally develops the survey questions and
then solicits input form department heads. Mr. Burns had indicated that input
could also be received from the commissions.
In case the City Manager does develop a Council survey in 1998, Ms. Jones
asked what questions the Commission might ask. An example given was
regarding interest in turning management of the Recycling Center over to Anoka
County. None of the Commissioners had any suggested questions.
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MINUTES
DECEMBER 16, 1997 PAGE 3
c. Chairperson's Request to Discontinue Policy of Forwarding Commission
Minutes to Other Commissions Prior to Approval
Since the Chairperson was not present, Mr. Saba explained that the Planning
Commission approves each Commission's minutes and then passes them on to
the City Council. Both he and Mr. Sielaff believed this was a risky process when
the Environmental Quality & Energy Commission itself has not approved its
minutes. To his knowledge, all other commissions approve their minutes before
they are forwarded to the Planning Commission.
Ms. Jones stated that the memo in the Commission's packet was forwarded to
the City Manager. His response was that he prefers to forward minutes as
quickly as possible prior to approval to expedite information exchange.
Since they wanted Mr. Sielaff's input in this matter, the Commissioners
requested that this item be placed on next month's meeting agenda again.
2. OLD BUSINESS:
a. Update on Springbrook CWP Project
Ms. Jones reported that staff is continuing to finalize the project workplan,
obtaining input from Technical Committee members via E-mail. She explained
that there continues to be a debate whether or not chemical testing will be done
as part of the project. She said the Technical Committee should be meeting
again in mid-January to approve the final version of the workplan
b. Update on Wellhead Protection Plan
Ms. Jones explained that there was no new information on the Wellhead
Protection Plan since there have not been any meetings.
c. Update on Fridley EcoTeams
Ms. Jones reported that apparently no more teams beyond the first EcoTeam
have been formed to date. She is hoping to receive more information from
Global Action Plan within the week.
3 OTHER BUSINESS:
a. December 17, 1997, Task Force Meeting Notice
Ms. Jones reminded the Commission members that they are invited to hear Paul
Douglas speak on global climate change on Wednesday, December 17.
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MINUTES
DECEMBER 16, 1997 PAGE 4
Mr. Saba stated that Dave Dahl, Channel 5 Meteorologist, has also done a lot of
research on global climate change and would be a good speaker to pursue.
ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION by Mr. Bondow, seconded by Mr. Saba, to adjourn the meeting.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, VICE-CHAIRPERSON SVANDA
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE DECEMBER 16, 1997, MEETING
ADJOURNED AT 9:17 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Julie A. Jones
Staff Liaison to Commission