HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes 01-14-13City of Falcon Heights
Environment Commission
Meeting Minutes
January 14, 2013
Present: Commissioners Brian Goodspeed, Peggy Hall, Rebecca Montgomery,
Council Member Beth Mercer-Taylor, Deb Jones (Staff).
Absent: Nina Semmelroth, Jeff Connell, Ethan Wagner, Isaac Mielke
1. The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Goodspeed at about 5
minutes past the hour. There being no quorum, a new chair could not be elected
so Goodspeed agreed to facilitate. Deb Jones will attempt to contact
Commissioners Wagner and Connell to determine their continued interest in
serving, as they have been absent for many months.
2. Chickens. There was no Council workshop this month so the Council has not
addressed this yet. Council Member Mercer-Taylor pointed out that there are
likely to be two different issues with the proposed ordinance: (1) neighborhood
esthetics and (2) setting a precedent for requiring neighbor permission.
Commissioner Goodspeed commented that the Commission has done its job. He
also asked if the ordinance should perhaps limit the number of permits per
dwelling unit to one; otherwise, multiple household members might seek
permits to get around the limit on the number of chickens.
3. 2012 Sustainability Forums: Commissioners applauded the spirit and effort of
the UM project but pointed out that the result represented the students’ vision
with the input of a very small segment of the City’s population. Nevertheless,
those who had participated were “heartened and inspired” and impressed by the
research that went into the result. They suggested that the students be invited to
present, perhaps to a joint meeting with the Council. Mercer-Taylor said she will
contact Dave Walmberg at the University and try to arrange it.
4. Council updates (Mercer-Taylor): The bee ordinance will not move forward at
this time due to some strong opposition on the Council. In response to news of
the street reconstruction project Commissioner Montgomery pointed out that
this project is a good opportunity to bring in rain gardens and other water
quality management measures, including changes in street sweeping practice.
These ideas will be reported back to the Council and City Administrator.
5. Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at about 8:30 p.m.