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HomeMy WebLinkAbout061019 EC minutesCity of Falcon Heights Environment Commission June 10, 2019 6:30 p.m. Meeting Minutes A. Call to Order: Chair Jim Wassenberg called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. B. Roll Call: Present: Jim Wassenberg, Nick Olson, Martin McCleery, and Patrick Mathwig Absent: Farook Meah, Ned Mohan, Jordyn Bucholtz, and Council Liaison Miazga Also present: Justin Markon, Staff Liaison C. Approval of Minutes: May 13, 2019 Motion by McCleery, seconded by Mathwig to approve the minutes from May 13, 2019; motion passed. D. Agenda: Special guest Patti Holmes spokes with the Commission about her time on the Cities Charging Ahead! group (CCA), which is interested in electric vehicles (EVs) and the policies around them. She attended the Commission meeting to get feedback before the final CCA meeting. The Commission discussed the proposed redevelopment at 1667 Snelling Ave N, which will include conduit for EV charging stations. 1. Update on Native Landscaping A subcommittee of Olson, Wassenberg, and Mathwig met to discuss native landscaping. They presented a draft ordinance and requested feedback from the Commission. Discussion focused on how other communities currently regulate native plants and how to set standards for the setback and maintenance of native plants, ornamental plants, turf grass, and weeds. Members of the subcommittee will plan to attend the Planning Commission meeting on June 25 to discussion the proposal with the Planning Commission in a workshop. 2. Update on Sustainability Fair and Resilient Cities workshop Patti Holmes, former member of the Environment Commission, discussed plans for the 2018 Sustainable Action Fair. The Commission is planning a similar event for September 7, 2019 at Community Park. Wassenberg has been in contact with members of the Citizens for Sustainability in St. Anthony Village to determine if they would like to collaborate. Holmes noted that in 2018 there six tabling organizations, five speakers, and the EV owners group. Commissioners felt that a similar setup would be appropriate for the 2019 event. Holmes said that the speaking sessions focused on actions that people could implement personally. Commissioners discussed possible topics, including minimalism, reuse and fixit clinics, and single use plastics. Holmes noted that she could help get in touch with the EV owners group and also share information on organizing the 2018 event. Mathwig said that he would also be willing to help recruit speakers. He also said that GreenCorps members would be starting in September, and they may be able to assist as waste monitors during the event. Markon said that the City could provide the advertising for the event. Markon shared that the Alliance for Sustainability is hosting a Resilient Cities Workshop on June 20 in Roseville. Members of Environment Commissions, staff, and elected officials are invited to attend one of two sessions that afternoon. 3. Discussion on VW Phase II Funds Markon shared that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is holding listening sessions to discuss how the state should use monies from the VW settlement. The state is awarding grants through three phases, with a total of $47 million available. Phase II will begin in 2020. Commissioners expressed interest in a possible electric vehicle charging station on City property. 4. Discussion on compost site in the City Commissioners discussed a proposed compost collection site on City property. Through an agreement with Ramsey County, the County would build and install the site. Markon met with representatives from the County to discuss two possible locations: in the City Hall parking lot near Larpenteur Ave and at Community Park near the Community Garden. Commissioners discussed possible concerns with parking and access at the park, since it can be busy at certain times. Markon will ask the Staff Liaison and Council Liaison to discuss the proposal with the Parks and Recreation Commission during an upcoming meeting. E. News and Announcements: None. F. Adjourn: The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.