HomeMy WebLinkAbout2-13-06 minutesCity of Falcon Heights
Environment Commission
Meeting Minutes
Feb. 13, 2006
Present: Peter Lindstrom, Jim Keilsmeier, Debbie Tretsven, Amy Wojcik Onofrey
The commission meeting was called to order at 6:40 PM.
There was no quorum at this meeting.
It was suggested that the minutes for the January meeting are adopted.
Agenda Item #1 – Hour Car.
Peter Lindstrom gave an overview of the Hour Car program. It is run through the St. Paul Energy Consortium. The have 12 Toyota Prius’. There is a station just south of Falcon Heights
in St. Anthony. Peter L. talked with the executive director about Falcon Heights residents using the St. Anthony Park station. They need 500 people to sign up for the program to break
even. The program is open to everyone across the metro area. Peter suggested that the city assist with the PR (website, channel 16, newsletters) in furthering their efforts. Hour
Car would like the City Council to pass a motion to take on the promotion piece. The council gave it to the Environment Commission to discuss. The commissioners agreed that it would
not hurt or cost the city to advertise the program.
Some other general info about Hour Car:
The cars must be returned to the same station
There are monthly dues that program participants pay.
Users get an access card to open the doors, the actual key is left in the car.
Participants must register for use of the car in advance.
Agenda Item #2 – Community Garden
Commission furthered the discussion of a community garden. Some thoughts and concerns that were brought up:
What is our budget? Can we incorporate a community garden plan in to the goals for the City for 2007?
Can we create a “business plan” or formal proposal? Who and how do we do this?
What are the major need areas that have expensed tied to them? (fencing, tools, water, etc.)
Possibilities to use rainwater as a source of water?
How can we make it as “green” as possible – environmental friendliness.
We should invite community members to be in on the planning, with the Environment Commission and perhaps do feasibility study. E.C. could spend the first ½ hour of each meeting to specifically
work on community garden strategic planning.
Where are the sprinkler systems in the yard? Gas lines? Electrical? Deb will ask public works staff to get this information to the commission.
What is the total amount of useable space? Is the city willing to give up the front yard? We want specific dimensions.
How will the gardens be maintained (without city staff help)?
What equipment can be used to till and move soil? Can community residents donate time, equipment use to the project?
Other major road blocks?
Can we get a resource person or expert to come and present to us to give us some information and ideas? Perhaps the Ramsey Co. Master Gardner program would be available to consulting?
Maybe someone from Dowling Community Garden in Mpls?
Is there grant money available? – MN Green through Northern Gardner?
Can we tour other community gardens, perhaps in June? Look to websites for event listings.
Amy stated she can bring in some information about other community gardens she has participated in.
Other business discussed:
Amy asked if the city has a way to promote and get rain barrels for city residents. Peter stated that they run $70-$90 on average. Perhaps it could be done in tandem with the compost
bins that are made available in the spring – through the hazardous waster clean up program?
It was mentioned that trash haulers are required to send out environmental related announcements that the city deems appropriate.
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM
The next meeting will be on March 14th at 6:30 PM.
Submitted by Deb Tretsven