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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-11-21 ENR Packet AGENDA CITY OF MAPLEWOOD ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE COMMISSION November 21,2011 7 p.m. Council Chambers - Maplewood City Hall 1830 County Road BEast 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Approval of Minutes: a. October 17, 2011 5. New Business a. Annual Sustainabilily Report 6. Unfinished Business a. Gladstone Savanna 7. Visitor Presentations 8. Commission Presentations 9. Staff Presentations a. Trash Collection System Analysis Update b. Maplewood Nature Center Programs 10. Adjourn Agenda Item 4.a. MINUTES CITY OF MAPLEWOOD ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION 7:00 p.m., Monday, October 17, 2011 Council Chambers, City Hall 1830 County Road BEast A. CALL TO ORDER A meeting of the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Schreiner. B. ROLL CALL Bill Schreiner, Chair Randee Edmundson, Vice Chair Judith Johannessen, Commissioner Carol Mason Sherrill, Commissioner Ann Palzer, Commissioner Dale Trippler, Commissioner Ginny Yingling, Commissioner Present Present Present Staff Present Shann Finwall, Environmental Planner Ginny Yingling, Natural Resource C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Trippler Seconded by Ayes - All The motion passed. D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Trippler moved to approve the September 19, 2011, Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Meetinq Minutes as submitted. Seconded by Commissioner Edmundson. Ayes - Commissioner's Edmundson, Johannessen, Mason Sherrill, Palzer & Trippler Abstention - Chair Schreiner The motion passed. E. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Gladstone Savanna a. Natural Resource Coordinator, Ginny Gaynor introduced the item and answered questions of the commission. October 17,2011 Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Meeting Minutes 1 b. Project Manager, SEH, Vadnais Heights, AI Sunderman, addressed the commission and gave a summary of the Gladstone Savanna property. c. PE Project Manager, SEH, Vadnais Heights, Ron Leaf addressed the commission and gave a brief report. The Commission asked questions of staff and consultants and the following clarifications were made: . The proposed four-foot cover is a safety buffer to keep people away from the soils rather than to protect the groundwater. The TCLP test determined that water is not leaching into the groundwater from this site. . This site would not be a candidate for a community garden. There could be raised garden beds. . The cover material will come from the soils removed to create the stormwater basin on the west side of the site. The MPCA might require additional testing on those soils. . The entire site will be re-established with native vegetation. There will be some areas that are wooded to provide screening for residents and some areas that are open as prairie. . There will be no open water on the site. . The site will capture 80 percent of the runoff from the site and surrounding properties. Commissioner Trippler moved to approve the recommendations in the Response Action Plan (RAP) and the Construction Continqencv Plan (CCP)fbfthe manaqement of contaminated soil on site and the qeneral strateqies for the storm watermanaqement at the Gladstone Savanna. Seconded by Commissioner Mason Sherrill. Ayes - All The motion passed. Commissioners Edmundson Savanna neighborhood planned to attend the upcoming Gladstone 2. Maplewood Dump a. Environmental b. Project Manager, gave a report on c. Natural Resources gave a brief report on the Maplewood Dump Site. Heights, AI Sunderman, addressed the commission and Dump Site. Ginny Gaynor answered questions of the commission. The Commission asked questions of staff and consultants and the following clarifications were made: . Future use of the Maplewood Dump is planned as open space. There is opportunity for restoration of the site with native vegetation once the cover is established. . There is a creek and wetlands that will be impacted by covering this site. . This site is not considered a land fill, so it originally did not qualify for state-funded clean up. . It would be expensive and may not be warranted to add a liner to the site prior to cover. . Dumping on the site included municipal solid waste and household waste. The site was fairly uncontrolled so it is difficult to know exactly what was dumped there. . Testing that was done did not show any toxic material in soils or groundwater. . Piping the creek and then covering the site might be the best option. But none of the options are easy. . The ground water is not being impacted based on test wells located on the site. Staff will bring back further plans for clean-up of the site as the assessment continues. October 17,2011 Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Meeting Minutes 2 F. NEW BUSINESS 1. Joy Park Wetland Buffer Waiver a. Natural Resources Coordinator, Ginny Gaynor introduced the item and answered questions of the commission. b. Environmental Resource Specialist for Ramsey County, Alan Rupnow gave the presentation and answered questions of the commission. The Commission asked questions of staff and the following clarifications were made: . The swale will be 5 feet wide, rather than 3 feet. . The swale will protect the roadway from flooding during any ten-year flooding event. . Placing a culvert under the roadway might be an option, but it would be costly. . The wetland was classified as a Manage A wetland. Once the watershed district adopts this wetland based on their MNRAM studies, staff will bring the wetland before the City Council to include it in our wetland map. Commissioner Trippler moved to approve the wetland buffer waiver for public improvements in the buffer to allow Ramsev Countv to clean the ditch alonq Jov Road and excavate a 5-foot-wide swale connectinq the wetland to the ditch. Seconded by Commissioner Edmundson. Ayes - All The motion passed. This item goes to the Planning for hearing on November 1, 2011. G. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS None. H. COMMISSION 1. Neighborhood - Commissioner Edmundson stated she held a wine and cheese on October 7, 2011, with a focus on wetland watershed protection. Louise Metro Watershed District (RWMWD) was a guest speaker at the party. Additionally, on Saturday, October 8, 2011, there was a potluck bonfire for neighbors in the Phalen Lake watershed. These meetings are being coordinated by the RWMWD and Alliance for Sustainability. I. STAFF PRESENTATIONS 1. Shoreland/Wetland Ordinance Update a. Environmental Planner, Shann Finwall gave a brief update on the Shoreland/Wetland Ordinance. There is an option in the Shoreland Rules which would allow the City to regulate wetlands adjacent lakes in the shore land ordinance under a special protection shore land overlay district. The City needs to make changes to the wetland ordinance by the end of 2012 to ensure the sunset clause that is set to end special regulations of these wetlands by December 31, 2012, is addressed. 2. Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Reappointments a. Environmental Planner, Shann Finwall gave the report. October 17,2011 Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Meeting Minutes 3 The City Council reappointed Commissioners Schreiner and Johannessen to another three-year term, expiring September 2014. In September 2012 Commissioners Trippler and Edmundson will be up for reappointment. 3. Maplewood Nature Center Programs a. Environmental Planner, Shann Finwall gave an update on the upcoming Maplewood Nature Center Programs. These programs are available on the Nature Center's webpage at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/nc. J. ADJOURNMENT Chair Schreiner adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m. October 17,2011 Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Meeting Minutes 4 Agenda Item 6.a MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DATE: Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner Annual Sustainability Report November 16, 2011 for the November 21 ENR Commission Meeting INTRODUCTION The Sustainability Chapter of Maplewood's 2030 Comprehensive Plan outlines how the City will improve on the natural and built environment by using best practices for sustainability. Property values and the City's overall marketability will rise over time by improving upon these environments. The vision for sustainability as outlined in the Chapter is as follows: The City of Maplewood, in order to ensure stewardship of its environment, will promote sustainable development and practices for the preservation, design, and maintenance of its natural and built environments. Developments and practices should maintain or enhance economic opportunity and community well-being while protecting and restoring the natural environment that people, economies, and ecological systems depend on. The Annual Sustainability Report is provided as an update on the city's sustainability goals and to obtain comment and feedback on strategies needed to continue the mission. DISCUSSION Environmental and Natural Resources Commission The Environmental and Natural Resources Commission is charged with developing and promote sustainable practices for city policies and procedures. In 2011 the ENR Commission worked on the following environmental issues: 1. Shoreland/Wetland Regulations 2. GreenStep Cities Program 3. Eureka Recycling 2010 Year End Report 4. Western Hills Area Street Improvement Project - Wetland Impacts 5. Emerald Ash Borer Plan 6. Living Streets Policy 7. Trash Collection System Analysis 8. Greenways 9. Environmental Neighborhood Groups 10. Chicken Ordinance 11. Maplewood Mall Stormwater Improvements 12. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Presentation 13. Renewable Energy Ordinance 14. Wakefield Lake Experimental Storm Water Treatment Basin 15. Gladstone Savanna Response Action Plan 16. Maplewood Dump Site 17. Joy Park Wetland Buffer Waiver 1 Agenda Item 6.a Minnesota Green Step Cities Minnesota Cities is a help cities achieve their best can be one or more to actions. These actions are tailored to all Minnesota energy use and encourage innovation. assistance and program to of 28 best Each actions from a list of four focus on cost and The program outlines four of to in the program, Two - at least 8 best Four -this committee. and One - pass a resolution the details of best Three - at least 16 best refined the Cities Council a resolution Cities program. staff the to date. In June 2011, the annual of Minnesota the Mayor and Councilmember an award from the Committee which as the Two The Minnesota Cities committee were very with the to date. A list of best the attached 1). In December 2010 the in the best Cities is The Green Team is made up of a group of staff who work together on environmental and sustainability issues at a city operation level. The Green Team acts as the steering committee for the GreenStep Cities program. In 2011 the Green Team worked on implementation strategies for the Environmental Purchasing Policy. The policy was drafted by the Green Team and adopted by the City Council in December 2010. Strategies included opportunities to educate city staff on minimizing the city's consumption of resources and energy including a "Clean Up City Hall' event and a zero waste employee picnic. The "Clean Up City Hall" event involved city staff bringing unused supplies and equipment to the Reuse Center (City Hall lunchroom). City departments then "shopped" in the Reuse Center for used items they needed. While there, the Green Team educated staff on the Environmental Purchasing Policy. The event was a success, with all remaining products being donated to School District 622. The zero waste employee picnic involved the host departments researching and purchasing products that could be recycled or composted, rather than thrown away. The picnic resulted in only 10 percent waste, and the remaining products being composted or recycled. It also served as valuable education on environmental purchasing, recycling, and composting. Throughout the year the Green Team has also been working on another Environmental Purchasing best practice, lowering the environmental footprint of meetings and events. This included the distribution of environmental educational materials during National Night Out and 2 Agenda Item 6.a drafting a Green Guide for Meetings and Events. The Green Team will complete the guide during their final meeting in December. Sustainable City Operations Work Groups In 2010 the city reviewed several of its operations to assess environmental impacts. The Sustainable City Operations Work Groups reviewed several areas of operations to determine how to minimize waste, lower long-term maintenance and operating costs, and improving the work environment and the community. During the 2010 Annual Sustainability Report, the Work Groups reported on the following operations: 1) review of organized trash hauling; 2) city fleet operations; 3) city snow removal and maintenance policies; 4) building operations; 5) complete street policy; and 6) turf management plan. The 2010 Work Group Report overview is attached (Attachment 2). City Staff will update the Commission on the Work Group's continued efforts during the November 21,2011, meeting. Summary Maplewood is in a unique position to implement and influence sustainability by the policies we set, by the approaches we use in city operations, and by the promotion of sustainability through city-wide education. The city should continue to strive to be a leader in the area of sustainability. RECOMMENDATION Review the information provided in the annual sustainability report and offer comments and feedback. Additionally, a representative of the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program may be in attendance during the Commission meeting to give an update on the program and offer suggestions on how Maplewood can continue achieving Green Steps. Attachments: 1. GreenStep Cities Best Practices Completed by the City of Maplewood 2. 2010 Sustainable Operations Recommendations Links: 1. Maplewood 2030 Comprehensive Plan: \wNv.ci.mapleVltOod.mn.usfindex.aspx?nid=567 2. Maplewood Green Team: vwwv.ci.maolewood.mn.us/sustainabilitv 3. Minnesota GreenStep Cities: wvwv.qreenstep.pca.state.mn.us/index.cfm 3 Attachment 1 MINNESOTA GREENSTEP CITIES Best Practices the of Public 1. Enter baseline information into the Minnesota B3 database and continue monthly energy use data from 2. Audit when all city-owned in the bottom third of the 83 energy a majority of energy that have a Private 3. Create a and outreach program with the local utility and/or the local Action to residential energy use reduction and energy Outdoor and 4. traffic to minimize car vehicle at intersections maintain safe and Reuse 5. and standards that facilitate infill and format commercial areas into more livable/walkable such as Plan 6. an that is less than ten years old. 7. Demonstrate that with the but not limited to the ordinance reference the as the foundational document for decision 8. I nclude in for coordination with at least six of the transportation, watershed land use, economic sewer and water. 9. Limit barriers to ordinance and map a district that allows: at six units per acre or at a gross of at least 15 units per acre to a commercial district or transit center. 10. at least two of the a flexible lot for infill use and floor area ratio bonuses in selected residential tie a standard to zones that limit low- 1 Attachment 1 units in selected accessory districts. 11 a of commercial land uses through at least one of the following include in the ordinance and map a commercial district with reduced lot sizes and zero-lot-line or a floor area ratio minimum between .75 and 1; set for the minimum number of in different commercial zones. Mixed Uses 20. Decrease use of city vehicles by means such as video and financial incentives for efficient vehicle use. 21 the fleet with the most fuel-efficient vehicles that are of an for their intended functions. 22. Document the of at least three of the and in vehicle for or local transit or for board fleets: and for staff on fuel usage and training for more efficient maintenance schedules that vehicle life and fuel stations or wind for and full electric lower-carbon fuels (such as biodiesel above the State-mandated oil) a more fuel-efficient car share vehicles owned a third to decrease fleet 23. Phase in foot or horseback 24. in GreenFleet to retrofit or diesel or to install power units that reduce truck and bus 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. Locate or lease a to an access and Modify a unit to limit residential that has at least two of these attributes: or residential to facilitate and encourage accessible by transit service. ordinance to mixed use or unit to areas to commercial Conduct a visual survey with for highway corridors. members and establish Green Streets Document the installation of and other green stormwater renovations as needed one street reconstruction Identify and street by, for route/lane or sidewalk. and street-trail gaps least between trails to better facilitate and I traffic measures in at least one street and as of at least a bike streets and trails/bike Fleets 2 Attachment 1 Environmental 25. or administrative certified and consumer content. the use of state and national green following of remanufactured only: at least 30% 26. for at least three of the / bio-based paper Urban Forest 27. at least one of the natural affected by ordinances that of no net loss of of trees on an processes; rather than create barriers for, native Stormwater 28. by ordinance one or more of the A narrower streets that permits construction of 24-foot roads for residential access and subcollector streets (with fewer than 500 average A 1.5 inch rainfall on-site rainwater infiltration for construction A stormwater runoff volume limit to volumes for the 24-hour rainfall maximum event. 29. and for, or standards for at least one of the stormwater infiltration/reuse Rain Green roofs with or without or reuse Green Green lots. 30. an ordinance with erosion and sediment control as well are for stormwater treatment. Green Infrastructure 31. Plan and for a network of green spaces, water features and trails in all new areas. 32. Document at least one of the measures: At least 20% of total city land area in green infrastructure (parks and natural resource areas and All residents are within Y:! mile of a or green space. 33. standards in and trails that infiltrate or retain all 2 24-hour stormwater events on site. 34. a program to involve members in land restoration and 35. Create a program that follows the process for the of Minnesota's Onsite Treatment 36. a Subsurface Treatment ordinance based on the Association of Minnesota Counties model ordinance. 3 Attachment 1 Renewable 37. with modifications as necessary, at least one of the from Minnesota's 2009 Model Ordinances for Sustainable solar energy model wind energy ordinance. Local Foods 38. Permit the of food areas/local food access into a residential 4 Attachment 2 2010 Sustainable Operations Recommendations 1. Trash Hauling Report (Shann Finwall, Environmental Planner): . Move forward with the Collection System Analysis (review of city's trash hauling system). This will take City Council support (to be determined during a workshop in early 2011). To ensure success in this sustainable operation initiative, the first phase of organized trash hauling should be complete within one year. The second and third phases include amendments to city ordinances and implementation of the plan. 2. City Fleet Report (Scott Schulze, Utility/Fleet Superintendent): . Conduct a fleet audit. . Adopt a no-idling policy. . Adopt a vehicle sharing policy. . Downsize the fleet by two vehicles over the next two years. . Stress overall awareness and importance of sustainability throughout all daily work. . Encourage employee car pooling to training sessions. . Use single vehicles rather than multiple vehicles for maintenance operations when feasible. Other Issues to Consider: . Adopt policies suggested in Fleet Audit policy (currently in draft form) as follows: o Right sizing the fleet. o Conversion to bio fuels. o Conversion to hybrid and high efficiency vehicles. o Eco-driver education programs. o Greening the maintenance fleet. 3. Snow Removal and Maintenance Report (Bryan Nagel, Street Superintendent): . Spreader controllers upgraded in plow trucks. . Plow truck retrofitted with side shields. . Rather than a constant sand/salt mix, deicing materials will now include the following dependent on conditions: a) salt (15 degrees F and up), b) treated salt (15 degrees F below to 15 degrees F above), c) salt/sand-mainly sand with little salt to prevent freeze up in stock pile (temperatures below 15 degrees F). . Training. . Cul-de-sac snow plowing pilot project. . Monitor changes in deicing materials and equipment. . Consider pre-wetting roads prior to deicing. 1 Attachment 2 4. Building Operations Report (Larry Farr, Building Chief Engineer): . Adopt the International Green Building Code for all city-funded buildings and additions. . Use the Department of Natural Resources' Life Cycle Cost Analysis for equipment. . Begin a retro-commissioning analysis program. . Continue to work with the Maplewood Green Team on building operations improvements. . Energy Star Program . Continue updating and monitoring the State of Minnesota B3 Benchmarking Program (energy consumption protocol for city and state facilities). . Use Green Seal or other programs certified for environmental preferred chemicals and cleaning products. . Energy Assessments/Recommendation/Rebates (Xcel Energy, consultants). . Energy and Waste Management Assessments. . Grant and Rebate Programs (EECGB, Stimulus Programs, future programs). . Continue to implement strategies outlined in the City of Maplewood Energy efficiency and Conservation Strategy Plan. . Consultants to support and work with government and state programs details as required. Other Issues to Consider: . Adopt environmental purchasing policy. . Improvements to city facilities recycling program. . Begin city facilities back-yard composting program for lunch room composting. 5. Turf Management Report (Jim Taylor, Recreation Supervisor): . Continue implementation of the Turf Management Plan which emphasizes the following: o A balanced approach; o Reducing the amount of turf in parks; o Varying maintenance levels according to turf use or classification (classification and management chart included in plan); and o Reducing negative environmental impacts of turf maintenance (several practices recommended in plan). Other Issues to Consider: . This item should be renamed Park Sustainable Operations and should include the following: o Recycling in parks - To ensure successful recycling program in parks which will begin March 2011 (when recycling bins delivered to the city), the city should begin planning for the program in January 2011. The planning phase should include buy-in from all vested groups including recycling personnel, park management, park maintenance, nature center 2 Attachment 2 personnel (for recycling programming), and the Park and Environmental Commissions (who have both mentioned recycling in parks as one of their goals). 6. Complete Streets Report (Michael Thompson, City Engineer): . Adopt a "Iiving streets" policy to guide all street projects toward environmental and social benefits including: o Improved stormwater quality o Reduced impervious surfaces o Traffic calming measures o Improved biking and walking conditions o Protect and enhance the urban forest Other Issues to Consider: . Adoption of such a policy will take several months for review and comment by various city commissions including: Environmental, Planning, and Community Design Review Board. The policy should be complete for 2012 street reconstruction projects. . A living streets pilot project should be considered for 2011 street reconstruction. 3 Agenda Item 6.a MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: DATE: RE: Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) Commission Ginny Gaynor, Natural Resources Coordinator November 16, 2011 for November 21, 2011 Commission Meeting Master Plan for Gladstone Savanna and Gloster Park INTRODUCTION The city is developing a master plan for Gladstone Savanna Neighborhood Preserve and Gloster Park. The ENR Commission approved the soil remediation plan and the stormwater strategy for the site on October 17,2011. Staff will present the proposed site master plan. DISCUSSION Gladstone Savanna Neighborhood Preserve is a 24-acre natural area with no trails or amenities. Gloster Park is a 2.7-acre Neighborhood Park with play equipment and open play area. The city is developing a master plan for the park and preserve. The plan will integrate the site's industrial history, natural resources, trails and recreation, stormwater management, and soil remediation. Three commissions are participating in the master planning process and the process has included four public meetings. The final proposed plan (Attachment 1) was presented at the November 9th public meeting. The Heritage Preservation Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the plan at their November meetings. In the late 1800's the property was the location of the Gladstone Shops of the St. Paul and Duluth Railroad. Buildings on the site were demolished in 1979-1980. SEH, Inc. prepared a Response Action Plan (RAP) and Construction Contingency Plan (CCP) in February 2008, to address the management and disposal of contaminated soil at the site (report with appendices is available online at www.cLmaplewood.mn.usfgladstonesavanna.) On October 17, 2011, ENR commissioners approved the RAP/CCP and the stormwater strategy for the site. At the upcoming commission meeting, staff will present the proposed master plan and would like commissioners' input. No action is required. RECOMMENDATION No action required. Attachment 1: Proposed Master Plan ~ c v E ~ u ro '1j' ~ ~ "--/ '" ~ '" '" '" ,,;-, :)l_SV/~ 'C'Nf'J\:'!\V":; :r'~L _,-1;-,- _,->_JV '6 HqlU0!\{)\j P:()~0\IU!ti\! "PO()!\\2ldPiV !tW'6 hJq,d;;t<J'1-H,cFi;IJUbV'[) UNdVJHd 1'~V H ~-::-LLSV / \";\j\Vf\\-~" :-1i'~Gt -1::) !d3JNOJ )ll!\fd 113Jm b U~ o o