HomeMy WebLinkAbout031119 EC MinutesCity of Falcon Heights
Environment Commission
Monday, March 11, 2019
6:30 p.m.
Meeting Minutes
A. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Wassenberg called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL:
Present: Jim Wassenberg, Nick Olson, Farook Meah, Martin McCleery, and
Patrick Mathwig
Absent: Ned Mohan and Jordyn Bucholtz
Also present: Justin Markon, Staff Liaison
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
October 8, 2018, December 10, 2018, and February 11, 2019
McCleery requested a change to the February 11, 2019 minutes to include that his
proposal for a one pass trash hauler was referred to the City Council for consideration at
their retreat in March.
McCleery moved, Olson seconded to approve the minutes from October 8, 2018,
December 10, 2018, and February 11, 2019 as amended. Motion carried.
D. AGENDA
1. Update on projects since February meeting
Commissioners discussed the progress of agenda topics since February. A
beekeeping ordinance and green building code were priorities from former
Mayor Lindstrom, and will be discussed at the upcoming March City Council
retreat. Markon shared that the stretch code was discussed at the March City
Council workshop. Markon read an email from Bucholtz regarding progress on
her Meatless Monday project, which may move forward with the South St. Paul
school district. Wassenberg noted that a contact list will not be possible moving
forward because of the open meeting law regarding serial meetings. He also
shared that he reached out to the St. Anthony Village Parks Commission to share
information and possibly collaborate on a sustainability fair. Wassenberg also
noted that visit with Commissions in New Brighton and Shoreview are also in
the works.
Commissioners also discussed a native landscaping proposal. McCleery shared
that he discussed the idea with a friend who works professionally in the area,
and he suggested a yearly application possibly requiring consultation with
neighbors. Olson said that he sees three main components to a native
landscaping program: allowable cover, height and setback rules, and
expectations of maintenance.
2. Update on available grant programs
Markon shared information related to two upcoming grant opportunities. First,
the Minnesota Department of Commerce is accepting applications for initiatives
that promote clean energy education. Mathwig suggested focusing the
application on ice dams, which are a nuisance particularly this winter. Education
could focus on providing discounts for residents to have a home energy audit.
Commissioners believed this was a good idea to move forward.
The second grant is the AARP Community Challenge. Commissioners discussed
a number of possibilities, including rapid flasher beacons, tree sales, and studies
related to code enforcement and street lights. Wassenberg asked Commissioners
to bring ideas to the April meeting.
3. Environment/sustainability column in City newsletter
Markon noted that the upcoming City newsletter will be printed at the end of
March, and it may include some general information about green initiatives in
the City. A column in the weekly e-anewsletter will be discussed at future
meetings.
E. NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wassenberg shared that there might be opportunities in the future to partner with
University of Minnesota students on thesis projects focusing on sustainability efforts.
F. ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
Next Meeting: April 8, 2019