HomeMy WebLinkAbout#18 Environmental Cmte Op Policies and ProceduresSTAFF REPORT
DATE: February 7, 2017
REGULAR
ITEM #: 18
AGENDA ITEM: Environmental Committee Operating Policies and Procedures
SUBMITTED BY: Kristina Handt, City Administrator
BACKGROUND:
The Council last adopted the Environmental Committee Operating Policies and Procedures in November
2015. At the January 3rd meeting, there was some discussion about limiting the scope of the committee.
ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL:
What should be the operating policies and procedures for the Environmental Committee?
PROPOSAL:
Included in your packet are proposed changes to the Environmental Committee Operating Policies and
Procedures. In order to narrow the scope, staff would recommend removing storm water runoff and storm
water management (already covered by ordinance, state rules for reporting, etc.), water quality
improvements (this is the main purpose of the watershed districts), wetland conservation and management
(covered by state and federal rules and oversight from the watershed districts), addition of composting to
reflect the fall leaf drop off days event the committee conducted last year, ground and drinking water
(removed since it is covered by a host of state and federal regulations), include water conservation as that
is an area the city could look to develop more policies, programs or educational efforts.
The second item was removed, as the committee did not seem to address any of these notifications
separately from any agenda item they were already covering so it seems redundant.
The meeting schedule is currently to be determined as many found that the 8am Friday time could be
difficult to attend themselves or difficult for the public to attend.
Lastly, the composition has been update to include five voting age citizens of Lake Elmo and to have them
serve three year staggered terms similar to other commission and boards in the city.
So far, we have seven applicants for the committee and anticipate at least one more based upon forms we
have distributed. The Council may want to set a deadline for applications, then follow up with interviews
or a review of applications, and make appointments.
FISCAL IMPACT:
NA
OPTIONS:
1) Approve the Environmental Operating Policies and Procedures
2) Amend and then Approve the Environmental Operating Policies and Procedures
3) Do not adopt Operating Policies and Procedures for the Environmental
RECOMMENDATION:
“Motion to adopt the Environmental Committee Operating Policies and Procedures as
presented.”
ATTACHMENTS:
• Environmental Committee Operating Policies and Procedures-redlined
Environmental Committee
Operating Policies & Procedures
Scope & Purpose: The committee will seek to improve the environment in
Lake Elmo, and will act as a liaison between the community, regulatory agencies, private businesses, city staff,
and city council.
Committee Activities:
A. The committee will advise and make recommendations to the city council on matters pertaining to:
• storm water run-off and storm water management
• water quality improvements
• wetland conservation and management
• solid waste, and recycling, and composting
• air quality
• ground and drinking water
• tree preservation
• energy and water conservation
• other environmental issues as requested by staff or Council
B. The committee will advise and make recommendations to the city council on issues stemming from
data released by the following agencies:
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) such as Toxic Release Inventory Data
• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)
• Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR)
• Valley Branch Watershed District (VBWD)
• Other Federal/State agencies addressing environmental issues
C.B. The committee seeks to ensure Lake Elmo retains status as a Minnesota Green Step City and Tree City
USA.
D.C. The committee will publicly recognize residential and business property owners who have
demonstrated proactive initiatives to protect the environment and/or save energy.
E.D. The committee will sponsor community events having an environmental focus (including those that
will satisfy application criteria for a Washington County recycling grant).
Meeting Schedule: The Environmental Committee will meet once per month on the second Friday
of the month at 8:00 a.m.TBD
Committee Composition: Not more than (2) City Council Members along with Lake Elmo Residents who
have an interest in environmental issuesFive citizens who are voting age
residents of the City. Citizen members will serve by appointment of the City
Council for three-year, staggered terms.
Submitted: November 24, 2015February 2017