HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes 8-14-06
City of Falcon Heights
Environment Commission
August 14, 2006
Present: Harding, Kielsmeier, Smith, Keene, Staff Liaison Jones
Absent with notice: Meah, Tretsven, Council Liaison Lindstrom
The meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m. The July minutes were accepted by consensus.
Community Garden: Results from the poll at the Ice Cream Social were distributed to the Commission prior to the meeting. Commissioner Harding said she had some additional results she
will turn in. She heard from several residents a concern that a community garden at Community Park might take away space from the playground and sports activities. She also heard concerns
about the Lindig gardens not being used, which would seem to indicate lack of demand for a community garden. However, other Commissioners pointed out, the Lindig garden is a private
garden, not a community garden, and it is being used. Commissioner Smith said that the area being considered for the community garden is not in the sports or playground areas. Commissioner
Kielsmeier said that the aim is to start modestly and let interest grow. Staff Liaison Jones reported that the poll has now been placed on the website, and responses have been received,
including contact information from individuals who are interested in participating the community garden.
At the September 11 meeting, the Commission will prepare for the community garden presentation to the Council and decide who do that. People gathering information need to get it in
to the Commission by that date. The Commission is expecting soil sample results from Public Works Director Greg Hoag, also some cost information. Commissioner Meah was supposed to follow
up with a soil professor at the UM, but he was not present to report. Jones relayed liability information from City Administrator Miller: the community garden would be covered under
the City’s insurance policy.
Deb Tretsven has set up a meeting with Ila Duntenman and Sara Ulmer of Garden Works on August 22 at the Community Park site. Hopefully, Greg Hoag will be able to attend. (Deb Jones
will not be available due to Planning Commission.) Linda Smith and Gretel Keene also said they can come. The tentative meeting time is 6:00 p.m. This will be confirmed by email.
Apartment Recycling: Staff Liaison Jones reported on the effort to revive recycling in the smaller apartment buildings. Thanks to a resident, the buildings at the northeast corner
of Arona and Larpenteur are re-launching recycling with carts as a pilot project for other small buildings along Larpenteur. Jones asked the Commission for their ideas on how to educate
and motivate apartment residents to recycle. Commissioners suggested starting a recognition program, a “green building award”, and brainstormed about how an award program could be used
to improve participation in all neighborhoods.
Information and Announcements:
Susan Harding suggested that residents be reminded of recyclables they can bring to City Hall, like eyeglasses and printer cartridges. She also had a hazardous waste suggestion: If
you are taking your fluorescent tubes to the household hazardous waste center, offer to take you neighbors’ fluorescents. These suggestions will be passed to Staff for the website and
future flyers.
The meeting adjourned at 7:14 p.m.