HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-01-28 ENR Packet
AGENDA
CITY OF MAPLEWOOD
ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE COMMISSION
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
7 p.m.
Council Chambers - Maplewood City Hall
1830 County Road B East
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Approval of Minutes:
a. December 15, 2014
5. New Business
a. Election of Chair and Vice Chair
b. 2015 Goal Setting
c. 2014 Annual Report
6. Unfinished Business
7. Visitor Presentations
8. Commission Presentations
9. Staff Presentations
a. Maplewood Nature Center Programs
10. Adjourn
Agenda Item 4.a.
MINUTES
CITY OF MAPLEWOOD
ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
7:00 p.m., Monday,December 15, 2014
Council Chambers, City Hall
1830 County Road B East
1. CALL TO ORDER
A meeting of the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission was calledto order at 7:01
p.m.by Acting Chair Trippler.
2. ROLL CALL
Randee Edmundson, Commissioner Present
Deborah Fideldy, CommissionerPresent
Mollie Miller, Commissioner Present
Absent
Ann Palzer, Chair
Tom Sinn, Commissioner Present
Dale Trippler, ActingChair Present
Ginny Yingling, Commissioner Present
Staff Present
Shann Finwall, Environmental Planner
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioner Edmundsonmoved to approve the agenda as submitted.
Seconded by CommissionerMiller. Ayes – All
The motion passed.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
CommissionerYinglingmoved to approve the November 17, 2014, Environmental and Natural
Resources Commission meeting minutes as submitted.
Seconded by CommissionerEdmundson. Ayes – All
The motion passed.
5. NEW BUSINESS
a.2014 Sustainability Report
i.Environmental Planner, ShannFinwall gave a presentation on the 2014 Sustainability
report to the commission.
The Commission reviewed the report and suggested that additional details be added on the
extensive work put into reviewing and revising the City’s tree ordinance.
The Commission approved the 2014 Sustainability report as amended. The report will be
presented to the City Council in early 2015.
December 15, 2014 1
Environmental and Natural Resources Commission MeetingMinutes
b.Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)
i.Environmental Planner, Shann Finwall gave the reportonthe Joint Powers
Agreement with the St. Paul Port Authorityfor a PACE program.
The Commission reviewed the PACE program and Joint Powers Agreement and
recommended the following changes to the Joint Powers Agreement:
There are currently no PACE projects, so the Agreement should be changed to “The City
has one or more projects within the boundaries of the City”
Add page numbers.
The Agreement states “The City can designate a local government unit other than the City
to implement the program."Does this mean that we authorize the St. Paul Port Authority
to implement the program?
The Agreement states that the “Port Authority may and is permitted to charge fees for its
implementation and administration.” Are these fees collected from the applicant or the
City?
Use the full name “St. Paul Port Authority” not “Port Authority”
If the City levies anassessment against a property and the St. Paul Port Authority
ultimately does not fund the project, there should be language added to ensure that the
County reimburses the property for assessments taken.
Commissioner Yingling moved toapprovethe Joint Powers Agreement for a Property
Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)Program.
Seconded by Commissioner Fideldy.Ayes –All
The motion passed.
6.UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
7.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
None present.
8.COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS
None.
9.STAFF PRESENTATIONS
a.November 24, 2014, City Council Meeting Update.
Environmental Planner Finwall gave an update on items approved by the City Council on
November 24, 2014, that were previously reviewed by the ENR Commissionincluding the
Partners in Energy MOU and Energy Action Team, MPCA and Great Plains Institute grant
agreements for the Green Building Code, County grant agreement the City Hall Campus
Organics Recycling Program, and the wetland buffer variance for a garage to be constructed
at 1703 Jessie Street.
b.Reschedule the January 19 and February 16, 2015, ENRCommission meetings due to
the Martin Luther King and President’s Day holiday.
December 15, 2014 2
Environmental and Natural Resources Commission MeetingMinutes
Environmental Planner Finwall recommended January 28 and February 25, 2015, as
alternate dates.
c.Maplewood Nature Center Programs
Environmental PlannerFinwall presented the upcoming Nature Center Programs. For more
information contact theMaplewoodNature Center at (651) 249-2170.
10.ADJOURNMENT
Acting Chair Trippler adjourned the meeting at 7:43p.m.
December 15, 2014 3
Environmental and Natural Resources Commission MeetingMinutes
Agenda Item 5.a.
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Environmental and Natural Resources Commission
FROM:
Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner
DATE:
January 21, 2015 for the January 28 ENR Commission Meeting
SUBJECT:
Election of Chair and Vice Chair
The Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) Commission ordinance requires that the
Commission elect a chair and vice-chair to run the meetings each year. In 2014, the ENR
Commission elected Commissioner Palzer to be the chair and Commissioner Trippler to be the
vice-chair.During the January 21ENR Commission meeting the Commission should appoint a
chair and vice-chair for 2015, and vote on those appointees.
Agenda Item 5.b.
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Environmental and Natural Resources Commission
FROM:
Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner
DATE:
2015 GoalSetting
SUBJECT:
January 21, 2015 for the January 28ENRCommission Meeting
Introduction
The Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) Commission’s2014 goals included:
1.Tree Policies – Complete updates to the City’s tree ordinance and policiesto meet the
City’s Living Streets Policy.
2.Environmental Education – Work with the City’s recycling contractor to educate and
promote the City’s recycling program.This will include a tour of the recycling contractor’s
facility, videotaping of the tour for a Spotlight on Maplewood show, and a workshop
between the Commission and contractor to discuss recycling markets and ways to improve
the City’s recycling program.
3.Urban Agriculture – Update existing ordinances to promote and eliminate barriers to urban
agriculture.
The ENR Commissionshould review the 2014 goals and consider updating or setting new goals
for 2015.
Discussion
Status of Goals
1.Tree Policies – After extensive review of the City’s tree ordinance in 2014, the ENR
Commission recommended approval of an amended tree ordinance and tree standards on
November 17, 2014. Staff will present the ordinance amendments to the City Council in
early 2015. Once adopted by the City Council, there is opportunity for education and
outreach associated with trees, Living Streets, and the urban forest.
2.Environmental Education(Recycling) – The ENR Commission organizeda tour of Tennis
Sanitation’s recycling facility. Representatives from the City Council, ENR Commission,
and City staff attended the tour, which was also videotaped for the City’s cable television
channel. Additionally, the ENR Commission held a recycling workshop with Tennis
Sanitation to discuss recycling education, recycling markets, and ways for the City to
improve its recycling program. City staff coordinated recycling education and outreach to
include articles, website announcements, and events. A review of this information will be
presented to the ENR Commission during Tennis Sanitation’s annual review, scheduled for
February 2015.
3.Urban Agriculture –City staff began research and review of this issue, organizing an urban
agriculture tour in Duluth for the 2014 American Planning Conference. Staff continues to
get requests and questions regarding the implementation of urban agriculture projects
including community gardens, bees, backyard composting, raising of chickens, etc.The
City’s ordinancesshould be reviewed and revised to remove barriers and promote urban
agriculture, while ensuring no negative impacts to surrounding properties.
Action Items
In addition to the unfinished goals listed above, following is a list of items which may need review
by the Commission in 2015:
1.Mississippi River Critical AreaOrdinance:In 2013, the Legislature restored the
Department of Natural Resource’s (DNR) rulemaking authority for the Mississippi Critical
Area after it was put on hold in 2011. Since then the DNR has analyzed the issues raised,
held additional stakeholder meetings to clarify comments, and is finalizing the draft rulesfor
release in early 2015. Once the rules are adopted, the City will need to update our
Mississippi Critical Areaordinanceto meet the new rules.
2.Stormwater Ordinance: The City’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit
requires that the City revise or create new ordinances and policies to meet updated
stormwater regulations. City engineers are reviewing this information and will bring forward
proposed amendments for the ENR Commission’s review in 2015.
Nature Center Goals
Each year the Maplewood Nature Center sets annual goals (Attachment 1). Because the ENR
Commission and the Nature Center partner in many environmental initiatives, the Commission
should refer to the Nature Center’s 2015 goals prior to setting Commission goals.
Natural Resources Projects
Ginny Gaynor, Natural Resources Coordinator, submitted the following list of key natural resource
projects to be completed in 2015 for the Commission’s review:
1.Ecological Overlays –Develop system, identify sites, and begin evaluation of Ecological
Overlays proposed in Parks System Master Plan.
2.Fish Creek Site:
a.Complete initial prairie restoration work including seeding the grassland areas.
b.Work with partners on Fish Creek pollinator and oak migration projects (pending
receipt of LCCMR grant).
c.Secure grant and continue archeological investigation.
d.Work with county on design for trails and amenities, to be constructed in 2016.
3.Gladstone Savanna:
a.Complete Phase I of the restoration.
b.Implement Phase II of the Frost Avenue Street project including sidewalk/trails,
construction and landscaping of four entries, and planting of stormpond.
4.Priory Preserve: Implement site improvements including entry, overlook area, parking,
demonstration areas, and boardwalk.
5.Prairie Farm Preserve –Develop Master Plan.
6.Invasive Species Control –Conduct invasive species control at several preserves.
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7.Arbor Day –Conduct May 16 Arbor Day event featuring the historic groves near Frost
Avenue bridge.
Events
Following is a list of events in 2015 which will help coordinate the ENR Commission calendarsand
assist in this year’s goal setting:
Calendar Year –2015
JanuaryMay
28(Wednesday): ENR Meeting16 (Saturday): Arbor DayEvent
29 (Thursday): Partners in Energy 18(Monday): ENR Meeting
Workshop 130(Saturday): Waterfest
FebruaryJune
10 (Tuesday): Partners in Energy 15(Monday):ENR Meeting
Workshop 2
17 (Tuesday): Pollinator Program –July
Maplewood Library4 (Monday): Maplewood Fourth of July
25(Wednesday): ENR Meeting–Event
Recycling Contract Review20 (Monday): ENR Meeting
15 to 19 (Wed. –Sun.): Ramsey Co.Fair
26 (Thursday): Partners in Energy
Workshop 3
August
March4(Tuesday): National Night Out
17(Monday): ENR Meeting
12 (Thursday): Partners in Energy
Workshop 4
16(Monday): ENR Meeting–Trash September
21(Monday): ENR Meeting
Hauling Contract Review
28(Saturday): Earth Hour
October
AprilWeeks of 5and 12:Fall Clean Up
Campaign
18 (Saturday): Spring Clean Up
18 (Saturday): Outdoor Expo–19(Monday): ENR Meeting
Community Center
November
20 (Monday): ENR Meeting
3(Tuesday): Elections
22 (Wednesday): Earth Day
25(Saturday): Park Clean Up15(Sunday): America Recycles Day
16(Monday): ENR Meeting
December
21(Monday): ENR Meeting
Recommendation
During the goal-setting session, the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission should:
1) review thestatus of the 2014goals and determine if any of these goals should be carried over to
2015;2) determine if the Commission should set new goalsfor 2015; and 3) discuss
implementation strategies for the goals.
Attachment: Maplewood Nature Center 2015Goals
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Attachment
Maplewood Nature Center 2015 Goals:
1.Develop a Pollinator Program theme and activities 2015:
a.Native Plant Communities and Prairie event conducted by Friends
group.
b.Public program for families-bees
c.Lesson plan for elementary students
d.Native planting at Edgerton Gardens - service project
2.Coordinate Outdoor Family Expo event, April 18, in partnership w
Maplewood Community Center and Parks and Recreation.
3.Develop policies, procedures, and documents required for Parks
accreditation including safety policy, evaluation and fee policy, volunteer
program, etc.
4.Continue to improve safety and efficiency.
a.Continue organizational improvements in shed, office and closets to
reduce clutter.
b.Revise and document emergency plan.
c.All staff to complete first aid and CPR class.
5.Implement Fish Creek Pollinator grant:
a.Hire staff
b.Set up staff time tracking sheet
c.Connect with schools
d.Develop pollinator educational lesson plan
6.Continue to develop connections with at least two minority cultu
we have regular participation (groups attending EE program or service
project, at least 2 times per year).
7.Reinvigorate school programming: Rewrite K-2 and 3-5 programs
highlighting science and STEM standards. Rewrite school curriculum
brochure to reflect the changes.
8.Install new Nature Center entrance sign by September 15 (charitable
gambling grant via Friends group).
9.Continue Phenology Database Volunteer Project.
10.Participate in City sustainability Energy Action Team.
11.Evaluate water in the amphitheater issue and prepare RFP to develop a
Master Plan in 2016.
12.Implement Nature Center maintenance projects: parking lot light, security
camera, and if funding permits siding and roofing.
Agenda Item 5.c.
MEMORANDUM
TO:Environmental and Natural Resources Commission
FROM:Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner
DATE:2014 Annual Report
SUBJECT:January 22, 2015 for the January 28ENRCommission Meeting
Introduction
Annually the Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) Commission submits a report to the City
Council. The report outlines actions and activities taken by the Commission during the preceding
year, recommendations needed to existing ordinances or policies based on past reviews, and
goals envisioned for the upcoming year. The report serves as a means of updating the City Council
on the Commission’s accomplishments and obtaining feedback on proposed goals.
Discussion
Attached find the draft 2014 Annual Report. The report will be modified based on the January 28,
2015, goal setting session and other revisions recommended by the Commission during the
meeting. The City Council will review the 2014 Annual Report in early 2015.
Recommendation
Review the Draft Environmental and Natural Resources Commission 2014 Annual Report.
Attachment: Draft Environmental and Natural Resources Commission 2014 Annual Report
Attachment
D R A F T
Environmental and Natural Resources Commission 2014 Annual Report
City of Maplewood
Preface
The Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) Commissionis charged with protecting,
preserving and enhancing the environment of the City of Maplewood.
Members
The ENR Commissionconsists of seven members appointed by the City Council. Membership
terms are for three years, with extensions for additional terms approved by the City Council.
The current membership is as follows:
Board MemberMembership BeganTerm Expires
Judith Johannessen07/14/0809/30/14
Cynthia Schafer11/15/1209/30/14
Dale Trippler02/25/0809/30/15
Randee Edmundson02/08/1009/30/15
Ginny Yingling11/30/0609/30/16
Ann Palzer07/25/1109/30/16
Deborah Fideldy11/14/1309/30/16
Mollie Miller09/22/1409/30/17
Tim Sinn09/22/1409/30/17
Commissioners Mollie Miller and Tom Sinn were appointed on September 22, 2014, replacing
Commissioners Judith Johannessen and Cynthia Schafer whose terms expired September 30,
2014. Commissioner Johannessen served on the Commission for six years and three months.
Commissioner Schafer served on the Commission for one year and nine months.
Chair and Vice Chair
Each year the Commissionappoints Commissioners to serve as Chair and Vice Chair. On
January 28, 2015, the Commissionappointed Commissioner _________ to be the Chair and
Commissioner _________ tobe the Vice Chair. Previously (2014) the Chair was Commissioner
Palzer and the Vice Chair was Commissioner Trippler.
Meetings
The ENR Commissionmeetings are held the third Monday of every month at 7:00p.m. In 2014,
the ENR Commission held 11 of their 12 regularlyscheduled monthly meetings; two were
rescheduled due to National holidays that fall on a Monday in January and February and one
was cancelled due to summer holiday schedules.
2014Attendance
CommissionerAttendance
Ann Palzer10 of 11
Dale Trippler10 of 11
Ginny Yingling8of 11
Randee Edmundson8of 11
Judith Johannessen8 of 11 (Resigned in September)
Deborah Fideldy6 of 11
Cynthia Schafer4 of 11 (Resigned in September)
Mollie Miller3 of 11 (Appointed in September)
Tom Sinn3 of 11 (Appointed in September)
Reviews and Accomplishments
The ENR Commissionis animportant piece of the City’s environmental planningefforts. One of
the Commission’s missions is developingand promotingsustainable practices for city policies
and procedures.In 2014the ENR Commissionworked on the following environmental issues:
1.Parks Citizen Advisory Team
2.Review of Maplewood Recycling Program
3.Recycling Workshop
4.Review of Maplewood Trash Plan
5.Tree City USA
6.Wakefield Lake Water Quality Study Public Meeting
7.Conducting Open Public Meetings
8.Overview of Gladstone Phase II Improvements
9.Enhancing Ambient GroundwaterQuality Monitoring in Minnesota
10.NPDES Phase II and MS4 Permit, 2013 Annual Report
11.Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area Draft Rules
12.Wicklander Pond Dredging
13.2015-2019 Capital Improvement Plan
14.Maplewood GreenCorps Host Site
15.Wetland Buffer Variance to Construct a Garage at 1703 Jessie Street
16.Partners in Energy –Partnership with Xcel Energy for a Community Driven Energy
Action Plan
17.Tree Ordinance
18.Environmental Ordinance Chapter Reconfiguration
19.Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)
20.Annual Sustainability Report
2014GoalStatus
1.Tree Policies –After extensive review of the City’s tree ordinance in 2014, the ENR
Commission recommended approval of an amended tree ordinance and tree standards
on November 17, 2014. Staff will present the ordinance amendments to the City Council
in early 2015. Once adopted by the City Council, there is opportunity for education and
outreach associated with trees, Living Streets, and the urban forest.
2
2.Environmental Education(Recycling)–The ENR Commission organizeda tour of
Tennis Sanitation’s recycling facility. Representatives from the City Council, ENR
Commission, and City staff attended the tour, which was also videotaped for the City’s
cable television channel. Additionally, the ENR Commission also held a recycling
workshop with Tennis Sanitation to discuss recycling education, recycling markets, and
ways for the City to improve its recycling program. City staff coordinated recycling
education and outreach to include articles, website announcements, and events. A
review of this information will be presented to the ENR Commission during Tennis
Sanitation’s annual review, scheduled for February 2015.
3.Urban Agriculture –City staff began research and review of this issue, organizing an
urban agriculture tour in Duluth for the 2014 American Planning Conference. Staff
continues to get requests and questions regarding the implementation of urban
agriculture including community gardens, bees, backyard composting, raising of
chickens, etc.The City’s ordinance should be reviewed and revised to remove barriers
and promote urban agriculture, while ensuring no negative impacts to surrounding
properties.
2015 Goals
During the January 2015Commission meeting, the ENR Commissioners chose the following
goals for 2015and determined how best to implement them through the year as follows:
1._______________________
2._______________________
3._______________________
Conclusion
The ENR Commissionwill continue to carry out theirmission as follows:
1.Establish environmental priorities for the City.
2.Make recommendations on policies, procedures and ordinances that control, protect,
preserve, and enhance the City’s environmental assets.
3.Participate in the mission and goal of the Maplewood Nature Center and Neighborhood
Preserves.
4.Promote greater use and appreciation of the City’s environmental assets.
5.Sponsor environmental projects to enhance, repair, replace, or restore neglected or
deteriorating environmental assets of the City.
6.Develop educational programs that foster the mission of the Commission.
7.Develop and promote sustainable practices for City policies and procedures.
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