HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-11-15 ENR Minutes
MINUTES
CITY OF MAPLEWOOD
ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
1830 COUNTY ROAD B EAST, MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2021
7:00 P.M.
1.CALL TO ORDER
A meeting of the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission was called to order at
7:04 p.m. by Acting Chairperson Redmond.
2. ROLL CALL
Emma Broadnax, Commissioner Present
Rebecca Bryan, Commissioner Present
Kayla Dosser, Vice Chairperson Absent
Benjamin Guell, Commissioner Present
Mollie Miller, Commissioner Absent
Ann Palzer, Chairperson Absent
Ted Redmond, Commissioner Present
Staff Present
Shann Finwall, Environmental Planner
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioner Bryan moved to approve the agenda with one additional staff presentation –
item e - Nature Center Volunteer Meet and Greet – November 17.
Seconded by Commissioner Guell Ayes – All
The motion passed.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The October 18, 2021, ENR Commission minutes were tabled until the December 20, 2021
meeting.
5. NEW BUSINESS
a. Oath of Office
The Commissioners were sworn into office with the Oath of Office.
b. New Member Orientation
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The City Council appointed Emma Broadnax and Benjamin Guell to the ENR
Commission on October 25, 2021. Environmental Planner Finwall went over the new
member orientation for the Commission.
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Renewable Energy Ordinance and SolSmart Certification
Environmental Planner Finwall discussed the City’s solar permitting process. The
City could achieve the Gold SolSmart certification by processing solar permits in
three days. The Commission reviewed the Renewable Energy Ordinance
amendments including definition of community solar gardens and solar canopies,
and height and placement regulations for solar canopies. Staff will bring the final
amended ordinance back to the Commission on December 20.
7. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
None.
8. COMMISSIONER PRESENTATIONS
None.
9. STAFF PRESENTATIONS
a. Fall Clean Up Campaign
1) Update on Reduced Price Bulky Item Collection
2) Update on Free Mattress Collection
Environmental Planner Finwall stated that 288 bulky items were collected during the
October reduced price bulky item collection; and 249 mattresses and 139 box
springs were collected during the October free mattress collection.
b. Climate Emergency Resolution
Environmental Planner Finwall stated that local governments of all sizes, and in all
regions of Minnesota will join in declaring a Climate Emergency on January 24th or
25th, calling for immediate action at all levels of government to address the climate
crisis. The resolution supporting the Climate Emergency will be presented to the
Commission on December 20 for formal recommendation to the City Council.
c. Resilient Cities and Communities Climate Action – December 2
Environmental Planner Finwall stated that Resilient Cities and Communities
organization is planning a discussion on the Build Back Better Climate Funding
during the climate action event on December 2.
d. January and February Meeting Dates – Reschedule to Tuesday, January 25, 2022
and Tuesday February 22, 2022.
e. Nature Center Volunteer Meet and Greet – November 17.
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Environmental Planner Finwall stated that staff in the new Park and Natural
Resources Department are now located at the Nature Center. The Department has
coordinated a volunteer meet and greet in order to catch up with past volunteers. A
volunteer form will be forwarded to the Commission if they are unable to attend.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Bryan made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Seconded by Commissioner Broadnax. Ayes – All
The motion passed.
The meeting was adjourned by Acting Chairperson Redmond at 7:55 p.m.
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