HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-13-12City of Falcon Heights
Environment Commission
Meeting Minutes
February 13, 2012
Present: Diane Ross, Brian Goodspeed, Nina Semmelroth, Gretel Keene, Mayor Peter Lindstrom,
City Administrator Bart Fischer, Deb Jones (Staff)
Guests Gael Zembal, Andrea Johnson, Scott Haugen (UM students from the Urban
Forestry class)
Absent: Rebecca Montgomery, Ethan Wagner, Stan Sveen
1. The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Ross a few minutes after 7:00 p.m. Those
present introduced themselves around the table. Ross reviewed what took place at the last
meeting.
2. Minutes from November 14, 2011, and January 9, 2012, were approved by consensus.
3. Co-chairs Goodspeed and Ross acknowledged that they were willing to serve another year.
They were re-elected by consensus.
4. Jones gave a brief overview/review of the proposed ordinance to ban the use of coal tar
sealants for driveways and parking lots in Falcon Heights. Mayor Lindstrom provided
additional information and answered questions from Commissioners. He agreed that
enforcement could be difficult since we will not have an "asphalt patrol." There is value in a
lot of cities imposing this ban because the product would have few sales. The City would
use normal communication modes to educate the public. Goodspeed moved, Semmelroth
seconded, to recommend that the Council adopt the ordinance. Approval was unanimous.
5. The students from the Urban Forestry class at the University of Minnesota explained that
they have a class requirement to visit a tree commission or environment commission. A
lively exchange took place between students and commissioners about environment and
community and the importance of citizens engaging in government to make a difference.
6. Mayor Lindstrom announced that Ameresco, a company that works with cities to help
them achieve better energy efficiency is going to come to Falcon Heights and assess energy
use at City Hall and the Community Park building for free. Commissioners brought up the
issue of streetlights, how we have no control over operating costs of lights we do not own.
This makes it difficult to motivate greater energy efficiency.
7. Mayor Lindstrom told Commissioners the State has authorized cities to set up programs
for property owners to install energy saving and solar installations paid through their
property tax statements. These are called PACE – Property Assessed Clean Energy
programs. The City of Edina has set up such a program. The Mayor and Commissioners
requested staff preparation for future discussion of implementing a similar program in
Falcon Heights.
8. City Administrator Fischer informed the Commission that the Public Works Director has
observed that the fence around the community garden is in poor repair and needs
replacement. He has sought bids. Semmelroth said that her organization has found a good
source for quality fencing at reasonable cost for its community gardens. She will get that
information for the City.
9. Commissioners affirmed that they are in favor of doing Adopt-a-Crop again this season.
The meeting adjourned at 7:38 pm.
Falcon Heights Environment Commission