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EQEM 7/13/2021 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION Fridley Municipal Center, 7071 University Ave Ne MINUTES July 13, 2021 Location: City of Fridley Civic Campus, Fireside Room Call to Order Chair Dritz called the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission to order at 7:01 p.m. Present:Amy Dritz,Sam Stoxen, Heidi Ferris, Justin Foell, Nick Olberding, Aaron Klemz Absent:Mark Hansen Staff: Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Other: Colleen O’Connor Toberman, Friends of the Mississippi River-River Corridor Program Director; Jerry Bahls, Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis Adoption of the Agenda Commissioner Klemz requested adding the Public Comment period for the Purpose and Needs Statementand Evaluation Criteria for the Planning and Environmental Linkage’s study of MnDOT’s Highways 47 and 65 to the “Other” section of the agenda. CommissionerStoxen made a motion to adopt the agenda and Commissioner Foell seconded the motion to approve the minute with the abovementioned addition. Motion Passed Unanimously Approval ofMinutes Chair Dritz called for a motion to adopt the minutes from the June 9 Environmental Quality and Energy Commission minutes. Commissioner Foell made a motion to approve the minutes and Commissioner Klemz seconded the motion to approve the minute with the abovementioned correction. MOTION PASSED unanimously New Business 1) Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) Ordinance Update Ms. Workin told the commissioners the City was notified by the DNR that we are required to update our Critical Area ordinance to conform with new state statute and the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan. She introduced Collen O’Connor Toberman with the Friends of the Mississippi River who delivered a presentation on the MRCCA and the ordinance update. Ms. Workin said that staff would work on the ordinance update and bring a draft to the EQEC to workshop. Old Business 1) Micromobility sharing update Ms. Workin said that that a First Reading of an ordinance to allow the licensing of micromobility sharing operations was held by council following a text amendment from Bird Rides, Inc. A second reading of the ordinance will be scheduled once licensing materials from Bird Rides, Inc is obtained. Other 1) Compostable Item Program Ms. Workin shared that the City has been offering compostable party packs at cost to people who rent facilities at Springbrook Nature Center or City Parks. She will said she is working with the Recreation Department to expand this option to all residents through the Recreation software program. She also said that the City is providing 10 block parties compostable supplies through the Green Block Party program. 2) Informal Status Updates a. Increased funding for Water Efficiency Rebate Program Ms. Workin shared that the City received additional money from the Met Council to support the water efficiency rebate program which provides residents rebates for water efficient toilets, washing machines, and irrigation controllers. a. Rainbow Treecare starting treatment July 26 Ms. Workin shared that the Rainbow Treecare will be treating over 200 public trees for the City starting July 26. b.Boulevard on sidewalks Ms. Workin provided a response to a question asked at the June EQEC meeting with regards to the possibility of adding a vegetated buffer along the trail. Ms. Workin said that installing a vegetated buffer is the City’s preferred option; however, the City may choose to install a paved buffer due to land owner concerns or cost impacts that arise when moving the trail further into the right-of-way. c. PEL study Ms. Workin shared information on the open public comment period for documents supporting MnDOT’s PEL study. d.Water efficiency Commissioner Stoxen asked if the City considered enacting a watering ban during the recent heatwave. Ms. Workin said she would find more information and report back. Adjournment CommissionerStoxen moved to adjourn the meeting and Commissioner Foell seconded the motion. The meetingEnvironmental Quality and Energy Commission adjourned at 8:37 p.m.