HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary PacketFalcon Heights Environment Commission
February 8th, 2016
6:30 p.m.
Agenda
1) Approval of Minutes
2) News and Announcements
3) Presentation – Tree Trust - Karen Zumach
4) Exchange Program - Germany
5) Discuss GreenStep Cities – Next Steps
a. Feb 9th meeting Best Practices
b. Possible Grant Funding - $3,000
6) Discuss Solar Garden meeting with CERT – Update
7) Organic Starter Kits – Note from Tara Roffler Ramsey County
8) Quarter-letter from the Commission in the Newsletter
9) Public Comments
Next Meeting: Monday, March 14th, 2016
If you have a disability and need accommodation in order to attend this meeting, please
notify City Hall 48 hours in advance between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at
651-792-7600. We will be happy to help.
City of Falcon Heights
Environmental Commission Minutes
January 11th, 2016
PRESENT: Commissioners Hall, Holmes, Montgomery, Miazga, and Olson, Staff Liaison
Moretto and Council Liaison Mayor Lindstrom.
The meeting was called to order at 6:36 p.m. by Chair Holmes.
The minutes of the December 14th, 2015 meeting of the Environmental Commission were
approved.
Welcome new Council Liaison Mayor Lindstrom
Mayor Peter Lindstrom replaces Council Liaison Beth Mercer-Taylor. Mayor Lindstrom has
previously served as the Council Liaison and is excited to participate again.
Assign Commission Officers: Chair, Vise Chair, and Secretary
The Commission nominated and voted for new Commission Officers. Mark Miazga was
selected to be the new Chair, Rebecca Montgomery, Vice Chair and Nick Olson, Secretary. The
Secretary is a new position that will assist the Staff Liaison in keeping meeting minutes.
Presentation – Leslie Brandt USDA Urban Forestry
Leslie Brandt, USDA Urban Forestry presented A Framework for Managing Our Urban Forests
in a Changing Climate. The USDA is a partner with the Northern Institute of Applied Climate
Science (NIACS), which provides information, resources, and technical assistance related to
forests and climate change. Leslie shared the framework process and a pilot project in Chicago.
She also provided the Commission with options for Falcon Heights to work with NIACS to
assess vulnerability and develop adaptive strategies.
The Commission asked how the process would work and what resources (City staff time, etc)
would be required. Leslie works on the U of M St. Paul Campus and could facilitate the process
at no cost to the City. She thought that working through the framework worksheets would take a
minimum of two days. The Commission was interested in exploring further and suggested the
City Arborist participate in the process should it proceed.
Discuss GreenStep Cities
Staff Liaison Moretto will be participating in a webinar tomorrow to explore the next level in the
GreenStep Cities Program. Paul will present this information to the Commission at the next
meeting.
Discuss Solar Garden meeting with CERT
Staff Liaison Moretto requested any comments or question to bring during the meeting with
CERT.
Mayor Lindstrom discussed Falcon Heights’ participation with the Met Council and several other
cities in an RFP to obtain community solar energy for Falcon Heights facilities. A decision in
awarding Falcon Heights has not been made. The City could be presented with a time sensitive
offer to participate. It would be the Commission’s preference to review any offer in order to
make a recommendation to the City Council.
Discuss Roseville-Falcon Heights Solar Meeting through Midwest Renew
Roseville Public Library will be hosting presentations on solar energy for homeowners on March
2nd and March 9th from 7-8 pm. The Commission is interested in getting the event published for
free in a local paper.
Discuss Recycling outreach and marketing for the Newsletter and Website
Staff Liaison Moretto opened up a discussion about how to increase recycling participation. This
discussion was tabled and will continue at the next meeting.
Community Forum:
No community forum was held.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Moretto – Staff Liaison