Loading...
EQEM 05/14/2019 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION Fridley Municipal Center, 7071 University Ave Ne MINUTES ağǤ ЊЍͲ ЋЉЊВ Location: City of Fridley Civic Campus, Banfill Room Call to Order Vice Chair Olberding called the meeting to order at 7:01 Members present: Nick Olberding, Justin Foell, Sam Stoxen, Amy Dritz, Paul Westby Absent: Heidi Ferris, Mark Hansen, Staff: Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Other: Steve Eggert, Council Member Approval of Minutes Commissioner Foell moved approval of the April 4, 2019 meeting minutes with the correction of the spelling of . Commissioner Stoxen seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED unanimously New Business 1) EAB Ms. Workin shared that the City had made good progress implementing the emerald ash borer mitigation plan since it was approved in January. The City had removed low quality trees in the Melody Manor and Rice Creek Terrace neighborhoods and has contracted Rainbow Treecare to chemically inject ash trees in parks and right- of-ways. As part of this program, Rainbow Treecare will be offering bulk-rate pricing to Fridley residents. Emerald Ash Borer was confirmed by the MDA in Fridley on May 7. 2) Commissioner Workshop recap Commissioners Olberding, Dritz, and Foell shared their experience at the Commissioner workshop. Commissioner Olberding attended the water and energy sessions and said that it sounded like the City was ahead. Ms. Workin shared information related to the construction of a backwash filter at Locke Park Water Treatment plant which will save the City both energy and water. Commissioner Dritz attended the organics and transportation sessions. Commissioner Foell attended the land use and transportation workshops. Commissioner destrian facilities within street projects as well as the success of Open Street events. He suggested the potential of partnering with Columbia Heights on this style of event. gn ups and framing things as sales. Ms. Workin said that it would make sense to include a framework for bike and plan. Ms. Workin also shared peer-to-peer outreach is the most successful form of outreach. If people wanted to door knock, they would need a solicitor license but they encourage participants in the organics program to share their experience with their neighbors. She said that the City was currently offering a free month to anyone who refers someone to the program as well as the person who was referred, and a free year of traditional recycling for anyone who referred five people. Commissioner Foell also discussed the multi-family business energy program. Ms. Workin shared that she had been calling landlords to promote the program. It was recommended to do an interview with an apartment building owner for the newsletter energy series. Commissioner Foell shared that the commissioner workshop also discussed youth commissioners. Commissioner Dritz also stated that many communities found this to be a positive experience. Councilmember Eggert said that he had discussed with the City Manager undertaking a review of commissions. Ms. Workin asked to be kept updated on the discussion and to let the EQEC know if a formal action was needed on their part so that the EQEC could have further discussion regarding youth. Commissioner Dritz shared energy outreach strategies to the business communities such as having a business energy award or having business present their work to other commissions. Ms. Workin shared that Coon Rapids had a business recognition program and that she would request more information about the program. Ms. Workin stated that new programs could be considered based on EQEC prioritization. Ms. Dritz also shared information about -to-door model and Lake Street Council coaching model. Commissioner Olberding said that Center for Energy and Environment discussed restarting the Energy Challenge program. Ms. Workin said that she would follow up with Marisa. 3) Congregation Toolkit Ms. Workin said that part of the Energy Action Plan includes reaching out to congregations as potential messengers with aligned goals. She shared a toolkit that could be sent to congregations to help form green teams. The commission discussed what the role of the City would be and what the City would hope to achieve through this program. Commissioner Westby recommended networking with Commissioner Ferris. 4) Ms. Workin shared that parade applications were due for the 49rs Day parade and wanted to confirm interest. Commissioners expressed mild interest. Commissioner Dritz is able to coordinate electric vehicles. 5) Summer meeting schedule Ms. Workin asked if commissioners would like to have summer meetings in a different location. No consensus was reached. Old Business 1) Fun Fair update Ms. Workin shared that the event had better attendance than the previous year and asked Commissioners opinions of the event. Commissioner Foell said that he liked the format of the renewable energy village. Commissioner Olberding recommended focusing the message at the Fridley table. 2) Tree Sale update Ms. Workin said that the City sold 90 out of the 100 trees. 3) ATP outreach update Ms. Workin said that they were continuing to gather feedback about the ATP. 4) Energy Action Plan update See packet Other 1) Recycling Drop off (Fridley Terrace)- May 22 Ms. Workin shared that they would be doing an onsite dropoff at Fridley Terrace 2) Blue Thumb Bee Lawns Workshop- June 4 Commissioners discussed upcoming Bee Lawn workshop Adjournment Commissioner Westby moved to adjourn the meeting and Commissioner Stoxen seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 8:24