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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230301 Environmental Board Packet Combined CITY OF LINO LAKES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING Wednesday, March 1, 2022 6:30 p.m. Council Chambers Please be courteous and turn off all electronic devices during the meeting. AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. SWEARING IN OF BOARD MEMBERS 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: January 25, 2023 6. OPEN MIKE 7. ACTION ITEMS A. 2023 Annual Work Plan and Ongoing Tasks List 8. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. 2022 SCORE Report Reimbursement and Tonnage Review, Tori Philippi 9. UPDATES A. Recycling Updates B. General Updates 10. ADJOURN Meeting guidelines on reverse side. City of Lino Lakes Environmental Board MEETING GUIDELINES Open Mike – The purpose of a Board Meeting is to accomplish the business of the city. When presenting at a meeting please remember to be respectful and follow these guidelines: • Please address the meeting chair. • State your name and address for the record. • Please observe a 4-minute limit. • The topic must relate to city business. • Open Mike is for items not on the agenda. • A spokesperson must represent a group of five or more – groups will have 8 minutes. • The Presiding Officer may limit duplicative presentations. • Remember, the meeting is to discuss city business only. Public Hearing – Held as a separate item of business on the agenda. The public hearing segment is your opportunity to tell the Board how you feel about issues scheduled to be heard. Typically, a hearing follows these steps: • The Presiding Officer (Chair or Vice-Chair) will announce the proposal to be reviewed and ask for the staff report. The presiding Officer shall maintain strict order and etiquette at all meetings. • Staff will present their report on the proposal. • Board members will then ask City Staff questions about the proposal. • The Presiding Officer will then open up the public hearing for anyone present who wishes to comment on the proposal. This is the time for the public to make comments or ask questions about the proposal. Comments should be limited to four (4) minutes unless further time is granted by the Presiding Officer. All comments should be directed to the Board as a body and not to any individual Board Member or City Staff Member unless permission is granted by the Presiding Officer. No person shall be permitted to enter into any discussion, either directly or through a member of the Board without the permission of the Presiding Officer. • After everyone in the audience wishing to speak has given his/her comments, the Presiding Officer shall close the public hearing. • The Board will then discuss the proposal. No further public comments are allowed. • The Board will then make a recommendation(s) and/or a decision. When you are called upon for your comments, please step to the microphone at the podium and state your name and address for the record. Occasionally, the Board may continue a hearing to another meeting before taking action. Meeting Etiquette The Environmental Board must preserve order and decorum while the meeting is in session. A resident shall not, by conversation or otherwise, delay or interrupt the proceedings or the business of the Board, nor disturb any resident or Board Member while speaking or refuse to obey the orders of the Board. Environmental Board January 25, 2023 Page 1 CITY OF LINO LAKES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Sullivan called the Environmental Board meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. on January 25, 2023. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was adjusted to include discussion item 6C regarding the appointment of the Environmental Board Chair and Vice Chair. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Schwartz made a MOTION to approve the November 30, 2022 meeting minutes. Motion was seconded by Ms. Cavegn. Motion carried 6 – 0. 5. OPEN MIKE Chair Sullivan declared Open Mike at 6:32 p.m. There was no one present for Open Mike. Open Mike was closed at 6:32 p.m. DATE: January 25, 2023 TIME STARTED: 6:30 p.m. TIME ENDED: 8:14 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: John Sullivan, Cassie Cavegn, Shawn Holmes, Ella McNulty, Alex Schwartz Lindsay Buchmeier MEMBERS ABSENT: Jonathan Parsons STAFF PRESENT: Andrew Nelson, Dana Rozan Tori Philippi Environmental Board January 25, 2023 Page 2 DRAFT MINUTES 6. ACTION ITEMS A. Shenandoah Park Stormwater BMP Feasibility Study Andy Nelson, Environmental Coordinator, presented the staff report. Shenandoah Park was identified in a Rice Creek Watershed District Subwatershed Assessment as a prime candidate for additional study in advance of developing a large capital improvement project to benefit water quality in the area. Staff is of the opinion that opportunity exists for a restoration project that would enhance water quality and provide for an improved greenway element to the park. A feasibility study was prepared to assess the suitability of the park for a future project. The feasibility study provides valuable information that will be used should the City and RCWD pursue external grant funding for a water quality improvement based on concept three and four. The Board discussed the benefits of concepts three and four and supported these concepts because the have the most benefits to the park. The Board also discussed details on the project. Ms. Holmes asked if there will be a new route for residents to take in order to get to the park. Mr. Nelson explained there is a goal of improving trail connectivity along with the water quality benefits associated with the concepts. Overall, the Board supported staff recommendations. Chair Sullivan made a MOTION to accept the project report and future improvements based on concepts three and four. Motion was seconded by Ms. McNulty. Motion carried 6 – 0. B. No Mow May Andy Nelson, Environmental Coordinator, presented the staff report. No Mow May is an initiative which promotes avoiding the mowing of lawns during the month of May in order to provide benefits to pollinator species. The City can support No Mow May through a resolution directing staff to not issue correction notices for tall grass and weed violations for the month of May. Ms. Holmes asked if there will be educational material on the City website and the City newsletter so residents can learn why the City is promoting No Mow May. Environmental Board January 25, 2023 Page 3 DRAFT MINUTES Mr. Nelson stated there will be informational material on the City website. The Board discussed the pros and cons of mowing lawns for species to flourish. Chair Sullivan questioned whether or not it is better to mow the lawn in order for it to flourish. Mr. Schwartz suggested that it would be appealing for the City to not regulate how residents want to manage their lawns for one month. Ms. McNulty did not support No Mow May because the dandelions and other lawn weeds provide little pollinator benefit. Mr. Schwartz made a MOTION to recommend City Council to support No Mow May. Ms. Cavegn seconded the motion. Ms. McNulty voted no. Motion carried 5 – 1. C. Appointment of Environmental Board Chair and Vice Chair Chair Sullivan explained the Board members whose terms expired December 31, 2022, and suggested a vote to appoint Chair and Vice Chair. Ms. Holmes made a MOTION to vote Mr. Sullivan as Chair. Ms. Cavegn seconded the motion. Motion carried 6 – 0. Ms. Holmes made a MOTION to vote Mr. Alex Schwartz as Vice Chair. Ms. Buchmeier seconded the motion. Motion carried 6 – 0. 7. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Boulevard Tree Policy Mr. Nelson explained what the Boulevard tree policy is. Every new single family residential lot in the City gets one tree per frontage. The first tree is paid for by the developer. Mr. Nelson had three questions for the Board to answer for this discussion. Mr. Nelson asked if the City should continue to require boulevard tree planting with residential development. The Board voted yes to question one. Mr. Nelson explained that the replacement of the trees are not a requirement and it is a service in acknowledgement of the benefits trees provide to the community, but the replacement trees do come out of the City forestry budget. Mr. Nelson asked if the City should continue the practice of replacing the boulevard trees that die. Environmental Board January 25, 2023 Page 4 DRAFT MINUTES The Board voted yes to question two. Mr. Nelson asked if a resident should have the choice to opt-out of a replacement if the original boulevard tree is removed. There are different reasons why a resident would want to opt-out. Residents would have more flexibility with landscaping the front yards, but the overall benefits to the community that boulevard trees provide would be decreased. The Board voted no to question three. Chair Sullivan also noted that species selection should remain at the discretion of staff trained in forestry to ensure benefits from the boulevard tree program are maximized. B. Rice Creek Watershed District Community Resiliency Building Workshop Mr. Nelson summarized the workshop. Chair Sullivan asked if anyone is interested in going to the workshop. Ms. Cavegn agreed to go to those meetings. 8. UPDATES A. Recycling Updates Ms. Philippi presented her recycling updates. In December, 77 cars showed up for All Appliance Disposal and 32 showed up for 1st Choice Document Destruction. This month, we saw an increase in the number of participants with 123 cars for All Appliance Disposal and 61 for 1st Choice Document Destruction. There are now 473 people signed up for the organics program. A SCORE reimbursement form had been submitted early January. Chair Sullivan asked for an update on Sunrise Park. Mr. Nelson explained there will be more discussion at the next City Council work session. 9. ADJOURN Ms. Holmes made a MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 8:14 p.m. Motion was seconded by Mr. Schwartz. Motion carried 6 – 0. Respectfully submitted, Dana Rozan – Office Specialist 1 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD AGENDA ITEM 7A STAFF ORIGINATOR: Andy Nelson, Environmental Coordinator MEETING DATE: March 1st, 2023 REQUEST: Motion on Annual Work Plan and Ongoing Tasks List for 2023 TOPIC: Environmental Board Annual Work Plan and Ongoing Tasks List BACKGROUND The Environmental Board serves to provide aid and advice to the Council in its efforts to encourage productive and enjoyable harmony between people and their environment; to promote efforts which will prevent or eliminate damage to the environment and stimulate the health and welfare of people; to enrich the understanding of the ecological systems and natural resources important to the city; to advise the city in the use and management of its natural resources in order to preserve and enhance the environmental amenities for present and future residents, and to improve and ensure a lasting quality of life within the city. (City Code Chapter 217.01) Each year, the Environmental Board prepares an annual work plan that will be presented to the City Council for approval. This plan includes a list of initiatives concerning current environmental issues in the major areas of focus of the Environmental Board, including forestry, natural resources, water, and solid waste management. Staff has also prepared a list of ongoing tasks to highlight the distinction between the Annual Work Plan and standard operating procedures/ongoing tasks. The discussion at this meeting will introduce new Environmental Board members to these plans and provide updates on work in progress. ENVIRONMENTAL DIRECTION Staff is seeking Environmental Board approval of the Annual Work Plan and Ongoing Tasks List for 2023. Staff recommends approval of these documents. ATTACHMENTS 1. Environmental Board Annual Work Plan 2023 2. Environmental Board Ongoing Tasks List 2023 Environmental Board Annual Work Plan 2023 General 1. Improve and enhance environmental content on the City website. 2. Promote workshops on native plants and water quality projects on the city website and social media platforms. 3. Initiate more volunteer project options to help residents engage with the local environment. Forestry 1. Continue implementation of the City’s Emerald Ash Borer response. This includes removal of boulevard trees and replacement with a diverse mix of species, a partnership with Rainbow Tree Care to offer a discount rate on private tree injections, and continued removals of ash trees in natural areas and parks. 2. Continue to promote the City tree sale. In addition to the many benefits that increased canopy cover brings to the city, the sale also helps residents to affordably replace private trees that have succumbed to EAB. Natural Resources 1. Review proposed changes to landscaping ordinance as part of the zoning ordinance update. 2. Support the pursuit of additional wetland bank establishment opportunities. 3. Evaluate updating MLCCS land cover data with the DNR to incorporate the development that has occurred in the city since the last update. Water 1. Continue to distribute educational outreach materials on water conservation, both on the city website and in newsletters. Continue the smart irrigation controller program. 2. Promote the Adopt-a-Drain program, which encourages residents to participate in improving water quality by cleaning storm drains and preventing trash and organic pollutants from reaching our lakes, rivers, and wetlands. 3. Promote water quality projects for homeowners that may be funded through grant programs. Recycling/Solid Waste 1. Assess organics recycling program to determine appropriate areas for the addition of new drop- off sites. Identify existing sites that may benefit from expansion. 2. Identify ways to increase recycling tonnage. This may include expansion of the organics program, addition of programs to accept materials not currently included in city programs, and coupons for items dropped at Recycling Saturdays. Environmental Board Ongoing Tasks List 2023 General 1. Promote environmental stewardship through participation in Blue Heron Days and the Earth Day event typically held at Wargo Nature Center. 2. Continue to review developments and provide recommendations to the City Council. Forestry 3. Continue to enhance the urban forest through education and outreach, participation in the Tree City USA program, boulevard tree management and inventory updates, diseased tree management, and the City tree sale. Natural Resources 4. Monitor the heron rookery on Peltier Lake. Collaborate with volunteers and Anoka County on work to benefit the herons, including flashing trees, performing an annual nest count, and planting trees to replace the many ash trees on the island that will succumb to emerald ash borer. 5. Perform maintenance on conservation easements and wetland bank areas as time and budget permit. Water 6. Collaborate with Rice Creek Watershed District, Vadnais Lake Area Watershed Management Organization, and other agencies to promote water conservation, water quality improvements/protections, and native plantings through outreach materials, workshops, and webinars. 7. Distribute outreach and education materials on water conservation, water quality, and stormwater management. Recycling/Solid Waste Management 8. Participate in and promote monthly Recycling Saturday events. 9. Strive to achieve recycling tonnage goals. 10. Monitor organics sites to determine service levels and potential program expansion needs. 11. Continue to distribute outreach materials related to recycling and organics in collaboration with Anoka County. 1 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD AGENDA ITEM 8A STAFF ORIGINATOR: Tori Philippi, Recycling Intern MEETING DATE: March 1st, 2023 REQUEST: Discussion Only TOPIC: 2022 SCORE Report Reimbursement and Tonnage Review INTRODUCTION City staff submits biannual SCORE (Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment) reports to Anoka County that detail the City’s expenditures for recycling programs and the amount of recyclables collected during the reporting period. Staff will provide an overview of recycling expenses and materials collected in 2022. BACKGROUND Enacted in 1989, the Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment (SCORE) Report is an annual examination of Minnesota waste management programs and data. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) uses the information to detail trends in waste generation, management, and disposal to develop policy and plans to manage waste in a manner that protects the health of the environment and humans. MPCA publishes an annual report with trends and findings in recycling and municipal solid waste throughout the state. The City of Lino Lakes provides Anoka County two SCORE reports throughout the year, one for January- June and another for July-December. These reports detail reimbursable expenditures for recycling programs and the total weight of recyclable materials diverted from landfills. In 2022, $68,168.79 was spent on the recycling program in Lino Lakes. These funds covered Recycling Saturday vendors, organics site service, promotional materials, parks recycling, and labor and staffing related to the recycling program. The city recycled 1,919.44 tons of material. This total is comprised of curbside recycling, Recycle Saturday materials, recycling in parks, and organics collected from the four city drop-off sites. This is approximately 545 pounds of recycled material per household! ENVIRONMENTAL DIRECTION Discussion Only. 2 ATTACHMENTS None.