HomeMy WebLinkAbout1-10-06 environment commission minutesCity of Falcon Heights
Environment Commission
Meeting Minutes
January 9, 2006
Present: Heather Worthington, Peter Lindstrom, Susan Harding, Linda Smith, Jim Keilsmeier, Debbie Tretsven, Frank Meah, Amy Wojcik Onofrey
The commission meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM.
City Administer, Heather Worthington, passed out the Environment Council contact sheet to verify names, addresses, and phone numbers listed are correct. One correction noted for Frank
Meah’s info; an “F” needs to be added to the beginning of his email address.
Introductions were made around the table, as a new commissioner (Amy Wojcik Onofrey) was present, as well as a new staff liaison (Peter Lindstrom).
Commission chairman, Jim Keilsmeier asked if there was a motion to approve the minutes from the November meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
The first agenda item was presented by Heather Worthington, which was the Capital Region Watershed District’s Rule Making Process. Heather summarized the rule making process; in an
effort to improve storm water run off and water quality issues, the CRWD is trying to adopt a rule making process to ensure compliance to these rules. In the past, The City of Falcon
Heights has worked with CRWD in a less formal way. The City would allow CRWD to examine new projects and advise the city on water issues, review plans, and make suggestions on how to
improve water quality. It appears that if the CRWD Rule Making Process is adopted, it may mean adding more bureaucracy and red tape. While storm water run off and water quality is
a concern for Falcon Heights, it was noted that 99.9% of the city is developed, and has no protected wetlands. City council members and staff question the necessity of such lengthy
and detailed rules being proposed by CRWD. Heather also mentioned the street reconstruction (Roselawn) that is coming up. That project would be affected by the rule making, when in
reality is the same amount of pavement would be replaced on the right of way. There would be more costs, permits, time, and work used if the City has to comply with all the rules proposed
by CRWD.
Commissioners questioned if any impermeable surfaces would require permits. Heather and council member Peter Lindstrom said that additional permits would be necessary and could delay
projects such as new decks, driveways, or patios up to 60 days. Heather also stated that the City did give CRWD a “staff report” (all commissioners received a copy of this report).
CRWD has not yet responded to that report. CRWD has agreed to establish a technical advisory committee. This committee is scheduled to meet with city staff this month. The commission
was asked to take a look at this issue, to perhaps offer suggestions, bring up questions, and find ways to help the City deal with the issue.
Jim Keilsmeier asked if there is a way to measure our storm water quality now, some type of benchmark that could be used to show progress. Many thought it would be possible to have
water tested on its way in and out of the city, but we would want to be sure we were not testing places like Godfreys Pit, which is a drainage area for many other places, not just Falcon
Heights.
It was also noted that the City website does have a link to the CRWD and Rice Creek Watershed. The website is going to be reconstructed sometime this winter.
Agenda item #2 – Education Initiatives
At our last meeting we started talking about how to do something for Earth Day. Susan tried contacting someone about the Green Expo but no one has returned her call. Susan stated she
will try to follow up on this. Jim suggested contacting Roger Aiken.
Jim Keilsmeier stopped in at Northern Gardner to see what they had to offer. He brought in some materials that were given to him. He stated that they do not do special events for Earth
Day. The do attend home and garden shows and offer classes. The woman he spoke with gave him her card, and said if anyone wants to be put on their list serve for their newsletter,
she would do that.
Heather suggested that the Ag Experiment Station might be another good contact or partner.
Jim Keilsmeier brought up the idea of exploring options for a community garden. The community garden at Gibbs Farm went away when Ramsey Co. Historical Society took over. Questions
asked; is there a need? Is there land options? How much staff involvement would be required? Would the Bell Museum be interested in having such green space? Heather pointed out that
land is sparse, but did mention the turn-around area on Lindig Street, which is in a very residential area, with no water. Amy Wojcik Onofrey stated she does have experience in working
with community gardens. Overall, the commission seemed excited at the notion of resurrecting a community garden. Is there are possibility of using the front yard at City Hall?
Other education efforts:
Is there a way the commission can foster some type of outreach to our schools? One thought was to contact EARTH group at RAHS to see if we could get them to present to the commission
about what they do. Deb T. will contact the RAHS staff who facilitates the group, to see if this might be possible.
The question was raised if we could get updates or reporting on the recycling collection and on the garbage haulers. It was noted that Waste Management is abiding by the EZ recycling
contract guidelines. It was also noted that early on there were some complaints about the haulers. City staff made necessary reminders, and all haulers have been very prompt in responding
to these reminders.
The next meeting will be on Feb. 13th at 6:30 PM. Linda Smith may be absent.
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM
Submitted by Deb Tretsven