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EQEM 11/14/2023 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY COMMISSION MEETING November 14, 2023 7:00 PM Fridley Civic Campus, 7071 University Ave N.E. MINUTES Call to Order Chair Klemz called the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll Call Present: Aaron Klemz Mark Hansen Heidi Ferris Nick Olberding Justin Foell Sam Stoxen Absent: Amy Dritz Others Present: Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Approval of Agenda Motion by Commissioner Hansen to approve the meeting agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Stoxen. The motion carried unanimously. Approval of Meeting Minutes 1. Approval of October 10, 2023 Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Meeting Minutes Motion by Commissioner Hansen to approve the October 10, 2023 meeting minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Ferris. The motion carried unanimously. New Business 2. Letters of Support for Trail Projects Ms. Workin reviewed the Mississippi Street Reconstruction and Safe Routes to School projects that were discussed at the October 10, 2023 meeting and shared draft letters of support. Commissioner Hansen stated the importance of addressing the drainage issues under the overpass if the project moves forward. Two revisions to the letter were recommended: 1) Commissioner Ferris recommended adding that locations of significant community value including the library, schools, and history center were located along the corridor and 2) 2) Commissioner Foell recommended adding that Mississippi Street functions as Fridley’s Main Street. Environmental Quality & Energy Commission Minutes Page 2 Meeting 11/14/2023 Motion by Commissioner Stoxen to sign letters of support for grant funding for the Mississippi Street Reconstruction projects and the Safe Routes to School projects with the amendments suggested. Second by Commissioner Foell. The motion carried unanimously. 3. Emerald Ash Borer Treatment Program Ms. Workin requested feedback from the Commissioners on the City’s Emerald Ash Borer Treatment program as the City prepares to release a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Emerald Ash Borer Treatment services. Commissioners recommended leveraging the City’s large number of trees scheduled for treatment to obtain lower pricing for residents within the RFP. Commissioners also discussed the importance of replacement of ash trees that are removed. Ms. Workin shared that while the City has a tree sale to incentivize tree replacement, more smaller trees are sold than larger trees that replicate the ecological function of ash. It was recommended that the City modify the pricing in the tree sale to make heritage trees more desirable, consider a tree giveaway, and amplify messaging on the benefits of large trees. Old Business 4. Energy Action Plan updates Ms. Workin shared that the City distributed 100 light bulbs at the Coats from Cops event. 5. Outreach and Event updates Ms. Workin shared that there was an open house for neighbors near the proposed Safe Routes to School Project. 6. Grant Updates Ms. Workin shared that the City received the SS4A grant for a safety action plan as well as grants from the DNR to support forestry work. Other Items 7. Informal Status Reports rd Commissioners provided positive feedback on the 53 Avenue roundabout. Adjournment Motion by Commissioner Hansen to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Stoxen. The Motion carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:53 p.m.