HomeMy WebLinkAboutEC Minutes 4.10.2023 - Approved
City of Falcon Heights
Environment Commission
City Hall
2077 Larpenteur Avenue West
Minutes
Monday, April 10, 2023
6:30 p.m.
A. CALL TO ORDER: 6:34 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL: Beth Mercer-Taylor (Chair) _X_
John Pellegrini (Vice-Chair) _X_ Jared Mehlhaff _X_
Emma Kostecki _X_ Amy Christiansen _A_
Pedro De Filippo Vannucci _X_ Stephanie Skarolid _X_
Council Liaison Meyer _X_
Staff Liaison Lynch _X_
C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. February 13, 2023
2. March 13, 2023
Commissioner Kostecki made a motion to approve the minutes from February 13, 2023 and
March 13, 2023. With one correction on the February 13, 2023 minutes noted by
Commissioner Pellegrini, Comissioner Mehlhaff seconded the motion. A vote was taken an all
were in favor.
E. AGENDA
1. Welcome to New Member, Stephanie Skarolid
Chair Mercer-Taylor welcomed new member, Stephanie Skarolid, to the Environment
Commission. We are happy to have her join us and provide her insight into
environmental concerns and issues in the city.
2. Xcel Energy – Partners in Energy Program
Chair Mercer-Taylor gave an overview of the Xcel Energy Partners in Energy Program.
The Commission discussed applying for this program and utilizing it as a Climate Action
Plan. The Commission requested Liaison Lynch speak with the City Administrator about
scheduling a presentation by the Xcel Energy team to City Council for May 10.
Commissioners went through the application questions and Liaison Lynch stated she
would formalize the answers and bring them to the next Environment Commission
meeting for approval for submission if City Council is in favor after the presentation.
3. BizRecycling & WasteWise Program Discussion
Chair Mercer-Taylor discussed the WasteWise program and using it in conjunction with
BizRecycling. She stated the program is organized by the Minnesota Chamber of
Commerce for Minnesota Chamber members and businesses in Anoka, Ramsey, Scott
and Washington counties. Liaison Lynch mentioned she met with staff members from
Foth Infrastructure and Environmental who provide technical assistance to Ramsey
County. They stated they are able to help with the BizRecycling effort and in the past
have worked with WasteWise to accomplish this. Liaison Lynch stated she is going to be
providing a list of contacts for businesses in Falcon Heights and Foth will be contacting
Ramsey County to make sure they are still able to partner with WasteWise. After this,
Foth will assist with contacting businesses in the city about recycling.
F. Information and Announcements
1. Staff Liaison Report – Liaison Lynch provided an update on the proposed Caribou
Coffee next to Amber Union Apartments. She stated the Planning Commission voted to
recommend denial of the proposal to City Council, but Council will have the ultimate
decision.
Commissioners asked about upcoming events such as Spring Together and the Ice Cream
Social. Spring Together is on May 20 and the commission would like to attend with a
table or some sort of set up to answer questions about recycling and environmental
concerns. Commissioners also discussed holding a Ride and Drive event as part of the Ice
Cream Social.
2. Council Liaison Report – None.
G. Adjourn
Meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Next regular meeting date: May 8, 2022