HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnvironmental Commission Meeting Minutes_December2017
Falcon Heights Environment Commission
December 11th, 2017
6:30 p.m.
Meeting Minutes
Present: Chair Miazga, Vice Chair Hall, Secretary Olson, Liaison Moretto, Mayor Lindstrom, and
Commissioners: Wassenberg, Holmes, and Meah.
1) Approval of Minutes- November 2017
2) Center for Energy and Environment- Jim Hasnik
Jim Hasnik from the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) presented information on the Center’s
various programs. CEE is an organization that administers programs to help with energy loans, home
improvement lending for energy improvements, rebates for Xcel, and sound insulation for airports
among other services. Many of these programs help lower income households with lower interest loans
and free energy audits. CEE advertises its services through city newsletters, direct mailing, conference
tabling, as well as coordination with Partners in Energy. Jim also stated that some cities help subsidize
energy auditing services from CEE.
The commission discussed ways to help promote the services provided by CEE, including: a newsletter
article or future tabling at city events.
3) News and Announcements
Mayor Lindstrom shared with the Commission details of a visit from the Shoreview
Environmental Commission delegation. Their city is now considering purchasing solar arrays
similar to Falcon Heights’ current array, but up to 3 times larger!
This is the last meeting for Peggy Hall, who has reached her term limit. Chair Miazga will also be
stepping down due to his assignment on another commission as council liaison. The Commission
thanked them for their service.
4) LED Bulbs -Wassenberg
James Wassenberg updated the Commission on the subcommittee work on the Watts and Drops initiative
from CERTS to purchase LED bulbs in bulk to distribute to Falcon Heights residents. A resolution to the
Council will be sent on December 13th for a plan to purchase and distribute bulbs. A couple of multi-unit
properties have already pledged to help distribute and/or install bulbs. Alexis from CERTS has pledges
for residents to complete, but a retrieval mechanism is still needed. Other distribution methods for the
bulbs are being discussed. Possible ideas include: handouts at Winterfest and other upcoming city events.
Faucet aerators are still available for distribution as well.
5) Earth Day- Holms
Patti Holmes provided the Commission a proposal to host an Earth Day/Sustainability Fair. A detailed
handout was given out targeting specific time and locations within the City, as well as the audience.
Possible activities include: demonstrations of electric vehicles, bike tune-up classes, CSA membership
drive from Good Acre, presentations and/or tabling from CERTS, Pollinator Friendly Alliance, and an art
performance from the Rosetown Players.
The proposal was well received from the Commission and a subcommittee was formed to advance the
idea. A motion was passed to have the Environmental Commission host the event.
Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM.
Next Meeting: Monday, January 8th, 2018