EQEM 06/08/2021
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION
Fridley Municipal Center, 7071 University Ave Ne
MINUTES
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Location: Zoom Webinar
Call to Order
Commissioner Dritz called the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission to order at 7:00 p.m.
Roll Call
Present: Amy Dritz, Justin Foell, Nick Olberding, Heidi Ferris, Aaron Klemz, and Sam Stoxen
Absent: Mark Hansen
Staff: Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner
Adopt the Agenda
Commissioner Foell made a motion to adopt the agenda and Commissioner Stoxen seconded the motion.
MOTION PASSED unanimously
1. Approve April 13, 2021 Meeting Minutes
Commissioner Olberding made a motion to approve the minutes and Commissioner Ferris seconded the
motion.
MOTION PASSED unanimously.
New Business
2. Remote Bikeable Community Workshop
Ms. Workin thanked commissioners for participating in the Remote Bikeable Community Workshop. She
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provided commissioners updates on trail projects within the City, including the award of funding for the 53
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Ave Trail between Highway 65 and Main Street and the development of plans for the 7 Street trail between
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53 Avenue and 61 Avenue. Ms. Workin also shared that the City had a demonstration project for a road diet
on the University Avenue Service Rd. Commissioner Foell recommended providing contact information onsite
for people to give feedback on the demonstration project. Commissioner Ferris asked if staff would consider
providing green space buffer behind the curb for additional stormwater management and pollinator benefits.
Ms. Workin said that she would find more information but provided decreased impacts to the adjacent
property owner, difficulty establishing grass, maintenance, and trail widening as potential reasonings for
having a paved buffer.
Ms. Workin shared the workshop summary for the Remote Bikeable Community Workshop. The summary
identified the top priority items as 1) wayfinding signage, 2) gap analysis, 3) slow ride, 4) promoting biking to
businesses. Ms. Workin asked the Commissioners how they would like to move forward. Commissioners
recommended prioritizing wayfinding. Mr. Foell shared
would work on developing a wayfinding plan for EQEC review. Ms. Workin also shared that she was meeting
with Anoka County TMO and BikeMN to learn more information on opportunities for businesses.
Commissioners discussed if there was an opportunity for the police to engage with the public or conduct their
patrols via bicycle. Ms. Workin said she would check with the police department.
Other Items
3. Shared Micromobility Vehicles
Ms. Workin said that the City received a Text Amendment from Bird Rides Inc to allow for Shared Micromobility
Vehicles within the public right-of-way. There will be a public hearing before the Planning Commission on
June 16. Commissioner Klemz asked if scooters would be able to move between Minneapolis and Fridley if
approved. Ms. Workin said she would find out.
4. Informal Status Reports
Ms. Workin shared that the rental department was switching to a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle. She also said
that she would be tabling at a summer concert series at the Civic Campus. Commissioners also discussed the
Dritz recommended working with
the Center for Energy and Environment to discuss the next phase of Energy Action Plan implementation.
Adjourn
Commissioner Ferris made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Stoxen seconded the motion.
MOTION PASSED unanimously.