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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnvironmental Quality Commission InformationJim Ericson From: Jim Ericson Sent: Thursday, April 05, 2007 2:19 PM To: Kurt Ulrich Subject: EQTF --> EQC Attachments: Ordinance 550.tif IN Ordinance 550.tif (42 KB) Kurt, Councilmember Stigney talked about the City's Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) at the last Council worksession during the meeting with the Park and Recreation Commission. The original body created to review environmental matters in Mounds View was the Environmental Quality Task force (EQTF.) Established in 1988, the task force studied wetlands issues, stormwater management and solid waste and recycling matters, among other things. On Feb 8, 1993, the City Council elevated the task force to commission status by establishing the Environmental Quality Commission to advise the City Council and Planning Commission on matters relating to the environment. I have some reports, agendas and minutes from these two groups. In 1994, one year after the EQC was created, the Council pulled the plug on the commission citing lack of membership and quorum difficulties. The Ordinance which did away with the EQC indicated that the duties of the commission would be absorbed by either the park and rec or planning commissions. Hope this information helps. Jim Cc: Mounds View City Council 1 ORDINANCE NO. 550 CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW COUNTY OF RAMSEY 1p STATE OF MINNESOTA AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF MOUNDS VIEW BY REPEALING CHAPTER 407, ENTITLED "ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION" WHEREAS, the Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) has experienced difficulties in the recruitment of members; and WHEREAS, the EQC has experienced difficulty in retaining membership; and WHEREAS, the current size of the EQC of 4 members is not representative of the community as a whole; and WHEREAS, the lack of quorums at EQC meetings has adversely affected the stated duties of the commission; and WHEREAS, the work plan of the EQC fits within the scope of either the Parks and Recreation Commission, or the Planning and Zoning Commission. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Mounds View es hereby ordain: SECTION 1. Chapter 407, Entitled, "Environmental Quality Commission" is hereby repealed. SECTION II. This ordinance shall take effect thirty days after the date of its publication. Read by the City Council of the City of Mounds View this 14th day of November, 1994. Read and passed by the City Council of the City of Mounds View this nth day of N(yembpr , 1994• (SEAL) Environmental Quality Commission Established On February 8, 1993, the City Council took the final steps necessary to establish an Environmental Quality Commission. This commission will advise the City Council and the Planning Commission on matters relating to the environment. This Commission will replace the existing Environmental Quality Task Force, which was established in 1988. Over the past five years, the EQTF has studied issues such as wetland regulations, stormwater management, and solid waste/recycling issues. EQTF Goals STATEMENT OF MISSION: The Environmental Quality Task Force will investigate, analyze, report, and make recommendations on issues directed to it by the City Council in order to advise the council, other commissions and comittees, and the City staff on environmental matters; promote pollution control; and protect the environment. The issues to be studied include: the overall environmental management situation as related to storm water, flood plain, and wetland management; and the effects of proposed plans and actions that would either cause or resolve identifiable environmental problems. I. WATER Identify potential sources of groundwater and surface water pollution (such as gas stations, businesses, and residences) in and around Mounds View. bbl Study Mounds View's wetland inventory and learn about the practices of wetland management, flood plain management, and stormwater management. ;,z° Study the relation between precipitation and city water use. Il. LAND a) Investigate and report on the extent of dumping on undeveloped public lands and learn how to improve, preserve, and protect them. b) Investigate and report on the effects of residential, industrial, and other uses on the quality of the land in Mounds View and its bordering cities. 1,0 Learn about the potential hazards of underground tanks and onstruct a list of the types, quantity, and location of underground tanks in Mounds View. d) Learn the differing definitions of hazardous waste materials and then investigate the extent of the use and transport of these materials in and through Mounds View. III. .SIR Study the Metropolitan Airport Commission's reports on Blaine Airport noise and the MN Department of Transportation's reports on Highway 10 noise; and learn and study about the potential noise problems that could result from the predicted high volume of traffic on new Highway 610. b) Gather any information on Mounds View's air quality from the MPCA, the Metropolitan Council, and other sources. IV. EDUCATION a) Survey Mounds View residents and businesses on their understanding of local environmental problems and then inform them about local environmental issues. b) Work with the Planning Commission, businesses, volunteer civic groups, and others to promote waste source reduction, recycling, and city-wide "clean-up" days. c) Use the Community Access Cable TV channel to inform residents of the activities of the EQTF and as a means to educate residents about pollution control, environmental protection, and ways to improve environmental quality. d) Invent a database or start a library to keep the information that the Task Force obtains on the state of Mounds View's environment. V. INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS a) Have at least one task force member present at each regular City Council meeting in order to answer questions about the Task Force's activites or to advise on or "advocate" a position on a local environmental issues that the task force has studied or is studying. b) Provide advice on land -use decisions made by the Planning Commissions and/or the City Council.