HomeMy WebLinkAboutEC Minutes 3.9.2026 - Approved
City of Falcon Heights
Environment Commission
City Hall
2077 Larpenteur Avenue West
Minutes
Monday, March 9, 2026
6:30 p.m.
A. CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 p.m.
A. ROLL CALL: Adam Keester (Chair) _X_ David Smith _X_
John Pellegrini (Vice-Chair) _A_ Beth Mercer-Taylor _X_
Nuz Sanidad (Secretary)_X_ Erica Bjelland _X_
Monika Chandler _X_
Staff Liaison Myhren _X_
Council Liaison May _X_
B. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chair Keester made a motion to approve the agenda. Motion passed by consent.
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES .
Chair Keester made a motion to approve the January 12, 2026 and February 2, 2026 minutes.
Motion passed by consent.
D. NEW BUSINESS
1. Lawn & Garden Tours
Staff Liaison Myhren discussed scheduling the Lawn & Garden Tours to coordinate with
Lawns to Legumes tours and to allow adequate time for advertising and increased
attendance. Commissioners discussed adding additional sites to the garden map,
including University gardens and the Bell Museum garden.
Commissioner Chandler referenced St. Anthony’s garden tour and commissioners noted
the importance of holding the event when plants are in bloom. Chair Keester raised the
issue of tour hosts wanting to participate in the event; Commissioners agreed that Master
Gardeners could serve as volunteers, and Commissioner Chandler will contact the
Master Gardeners.
The Commission agreed on holding Garden Tour on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 9:00
a.m.–12:00 p.m.
2. Sustainability Fair Update and Volunteer Sign-Ups
Staff Liaison Myhren Commissioner asks for commissioners to sign up for volunteer
times. Chair Keester will be EC table AM. Commissioner Chandler will be on the EC
table AM shift. Commissioner Sanidad will be Textile PM. Council Liaison May will
direct cars in the AM. Commissioner Mercer-Taylor agreed to give a presentation for the
fair on plants.
3. Climate Action Plan / Energy Action Plan Implementation Subcommittee
Chair Keester calls back to subcommittee formation conversation. We can only have 3
Commissioner members involved, and asks how many we should have in total. The
Commission decided on the number 5. Chair Keester, Commissioner Mercer-Taylor and
Commissioner Bjelland expressed interest in being part of the subcommittee.
4. Community Advisory Committee – Les Bolstad Golf Course Redevelopment
Council Liaison May explained that the City is assembling a diverse group of nine local
residents to serve on the Community Advisory Committee (CAC), which will provide
input to the City Council. One representative from the Environment Commission is
needed. CAC applications are available online. Commissioner Mercer-Taylor expressed
concern about ensuring representation from both Grove and Coffman Condominiums
residents. The application deadline is March 16.
E. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Staff Liaison Report – Staff Liaison Myhren reported that Fairway Commons will hold
a public hearing regarding a proposal for 110 affordable senior living units on March 24.
The City is also pursuing the purchase of 1407 Larpenteur. As it is grant season, Staff
Liaison Myhren will be submitting several applications. The City will also begin sending
letters regarding boulevard tree planting as part of the tree grant program
2. Council Liaison Report – Council Liaison May shared that the Peace Garden will be
included in the garden tour. She is continuing to get up to speed on Council activities
and has been attending webinars, trainings, and workshops.
F. Adjourn
Chair Keester made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Meeting was adjourned by consent at 8:05
PM.
Next meeting date: April 13 2026