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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-02-22 ENR Packet AGENDA CITY OF MAPLEWOOD ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCESCOMMISSION Tuesday,February 22, 2022 7:00 p.m. Held Remotely Via Conference Call Dial 1-888-788-0099 Meeting ID: 825 0243 2696 Passcode: 633038 Call to Order Roll Call ApprovalofAgenda ApprovalofMinutes: January25,2022 UnfinishedBusiness 2022WorkPlanandEnvironmentalPrioritiesImplementationStrategies NewBusiness 2021EommissionAnnual Report VisitorPresentations CommissionerPresentations StaffPresentations(oralreports) MaplewoodTreeSaleMarch7toMay4 ArborDayEventMay14 SpringCleanUpMay21 Adjourn Agenda Item 4.a. MINUTES CITY OF MAPLEWOOD ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION 1830 COUNTY ROAD B EAST, MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2022 7:00 P.M. 1.CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Palzer called a meeting of the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission to order at 7:02p.m. 2.ROLL CALL Emma Broadnax, CommissionerPresent Rebecca Bryan, CommissionerPresent Kayla Dosser, Vice ChairpersonPresent Benjamin Guell, CommissionerPresent Mollie Miller, CommissionerPresent Ann Palzer, ChairpersonPresent Ted Redmond, CommissionerAbsent Staff Present Shann Finwall, Environmental Planner 3.APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Miller moved to approve the agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Bryan.Ayes – All The motion passed. 4.APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Guell moved to approve the December 20, 2021, ENR Commission meeting minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Dosser Ayes – Commissioners Broadnax, Bryan, Dosser, Guell, Palzer Abstain – CommissionerMiller The motion passed. 5.NEW BUSINESS a.Electionof Chair and Vice Chair Chair: The Commission nominated Commissioners Dosser and Bryan for Chair. The Commission elected Commissioner Dosser as Chair by a vote of 5 to 1. 1 Vice-Chair The Commission nominated Commissioners Bryan and Broadnax as Vice-Chair. The Commission elected Commissioner Bryan as Vice-Chairby a vote of 4 to 2. New Chair Dosser took over running the meeting. b.2022 Work Plan and Environmental Priorities The Commission reviewed the 2022 Work Plan and Environmental Priorities and discussed how to prioritize those items. The following Environmental Priorities were identified for 2022: Climate ActionPlanning Nature Center Task Force Recommendations Local Food-Community Garden Staff will summarize the discussion and bring back the item in February for implementations strategies. 6.UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 7.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS None. 8.COMMISSIONERPRESENTATIONS None. 9.STAFF PRESENTATIONS a.State of Maplewood Address –February 15, 2022, at 10 a.m. Environmental Planner Finwallinvited the Commission to attend the virtual State of Maplewood Address to be held February 15, 2022, at 10 a.m. b.February Meeting Date-Rescheduledto Tuesday, February 22, 2022at 7 p.m. Environmental Planner Finwall reminded the Commission of therescheduled meeting date in February due to the President’s Day holiday. 10.ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Guell made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Miller.Ayes –All The motion passed. ChairDosser adjourned the meetingat 8:05p.m. 2 Agenda Item 5.a. ENVIRONMENTAL & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSIONSTAFF REPORT Meeting Date February 22, 2022 REPORT TO: Environmental and Natural Resources Commission REPORT FROM: Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner PRESENTER: Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner AGENDA ITEM: 2022 Work Plan and Environmental Priorities Implementation Strategies Action Requested: Motion Discussion Public Hearing Form of Action: Resolution Ordinance Contract/Agreement Proclamation Policy Issue: The Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) Commission ordinance outlines the Commission’s duties and responsibilities to include: The Commission shall establish environmental priorities for the city in partnership with the City Council and recommend changes or new policies that control, protect, preserve, and enhance the City’s environmental assets. Yearly the ENR Commission adopts environmental priorities to help achieve those duties and responsibilities. Recommended Action: Review the 2022 Work Plan and Environmental Priorities Implementation Strategies. Fiscal Impact: Is There a Fiscal Impact? No Yes, the true or estimated cost is $0 Financing source(s): Adopted Budget Budget Modification New Revenue Source Use of Reserves Other: n/a Strategic Plan Relevance: Financial Sustainability Integrated Communication Targeted Redevelopment Operational Effectiveness Community Inclusiveness Infrastructure & Asset Mgmt. Establishing environmental priorities will allow the ENR Commission to operate effectively by setting an agenda and work plan for the year. It also assists the City in meeting its newly established environmental stewardship strategic priority (adopted by the City Council on February 14, 2022). Background In January the ENR Commission reviewed the 2022 Work Plan items and discussed environmental priorities. During the February meeting, the Commission should discuss how best to implement those priorities. 1 Work Plan Following is a list of work items and possible dates for review by the ENR Commission in 2022: 1.Trash and Recycling 2022 Annual Review - The annual review is scheduled for the March 21, 2022, ENR Commission meeting. 2.Wetland Ordinance – Update to public infrastructure exemptions and the wetland map. The wetland ordinance review could begin in April 2022, pending other priorities. Environmental Priorities and Implementation Strategies 1.Climate Action Planning The Climate Adaptation Plan was approved by the City Council in May 2021. The plan will prepare the City and its partners for challenges and vulnerabilities associated with our changing climate, and it establishes the ENR Commission as the main citizen-body to support the implementation of the plan. The 2040 Comprehensive Plan outlines the next step in climate action planning to be the development of a Climate Mitigation Plan to guide the City and its partners toward reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Maplewood has applied for a Climate Resiliency grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to fund the Climate Mitigation Plan. If the City is awarded the grant funds in March 2022, the ENR Commission will be involved in the development of the plan. The City will review other opportunities for funding If no grant funds are awarded, Following are three Climate Action environmental priorities the ENR Commission can review in 2022: a.Financial Mechanisms The Adaptation Sector of the Climate Adaptation plan includes financial mechanisms to implement strategies in the plan. Ideas include tiered stormwater fees, resilience penny property tax, capturing energy savings from existing renewable energy projects, utility franchise fees. A subcommittee of the ENR Commission began reviewing such strategies a few years ago, but did not finalize the review or make a recommendation. Now, however, the strategy has the backing of the City Council as an action item in the adopted plan. To begin implementation of this environmental priority, City staff will be making recommendations for key outcomes, performance measures, and action initiatives that will meet the City’s new environmental stewardship strategic priority. Once these are in place and adopted by the City Council, staff will review with the ENR Commission and begin a strategy for researching and recommending financial mechanisms to implement Climate Action planning. b.Climate Action Engagement Programs Help support the City’s climate action engagement programs throughout 2022. Three upcoming programs include: 2 1)Clean Energy for All Program (Summer 2022): The program is funded by a Metro CERTs Seed Gant and supported by the Center for Energy and Environment and the Citizens Utility Board. This program includes energy saving outreach to be conducted at three manufactured home parks in the summer of 2022. 2)Arbor Day Event (May 14, 2022): The event will include a station on climate resistant tree species. 3)Waterfest (June 4, 2022): Include climate action strategies in the ENR Commission’s educational booth at the Waterfest event. c.Review Climate Adaptation Plan Implementation Progress The ENR Commission should include a review of the Climate Adaptation Plan implementation progress in its yearly reports. Those reports are drafted by the Commission in February, and they are reviewed and approved by the City Council in the spring of each year. 2.Nature Center Task Force Recommendations Among the goals of the Nature Center Task Force was to review existing programming, services, and operating budgets, review possible programming alternatives, and identify possible funding partners to help pay for amenities with a regional focus and/or draw. The Task Force was made up of members of the City Council, Friends of Maplewood Nature, Volunteers of the Nature Center, ENR Commission, local government and non-profit partners, schools, residents, and City staff. The Task Force finalized their recommendations on January 14, 2021. Since that time, the City has implemented several of the recommendations including: a.Ongoing maintenance of trails and grounds. The Nature Center trails and grounds are maintained by the Park and Natural Resources park maintenance staff and open to the public from dawn to dusk. b.Support independent groups using the outdoor areas. Currently the Friends of Maplewood Nature are offering a Gnome Challenge on the Nature Center trails. Thirty pinecone gnomes are visible from the boardwalk and the Green Heron loop to encourage residents to hike the trails and share of photo of their favorite gnome. This summer they will also install the Tree Trek at-a-glance identification labels and QR codes that identify 52 kinds of trees. Tree Trek will roll out during the Arbor Day event on May 14. c.Opening the building. The City reorganized the Parks and Recreation Department as the Park and Natural Resources Department. There are four staff from that department who office out of the Nature Center. The Nature Center building is currently open to the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. d.Identify rental options to encourage use. The Park and Natural Resources Department currently rent snowshoes for use on the Nature Center grounds. 3 e.More connection to Community Education. The City is partnering with School District Community Education to offer environmental programming at the Nature Center this summer. f.Revive successful education programs. Parks and Natural Resources staff have offered educational program at the Nature Center such as tree care and a Solar Power Hour and will continue to look for those opportunities. Moving forward, the ENR Commission can best assist the Nature Center by supporting upcoming programs and volunteer opportunities. Staff will continue to update the ENR Commission on opportunities to implement the Nature Center Task Force Recommendations. 3.Community Garden, Urban Agriculture The 2040 Comprehensive Plan outlines a goal of supporting the establishment and maintenance of community gardens throughout the community and urban farms in appropriate areas to provide residents with easy access to healthy food. There are two opportunities for the ENR Commission to support this goal: a.Edgerton Community Garden: The City submitted a Minnesota Department of Agriculture urban agriculture grant for Edgerton Community Garden. Grants are awarded in March 2022. The project will include an urban agricultural learning opportunity for children at the Edgerton Elementary School and other youth programs. Garden infrastructure to include soil remediation, permanent fences around garden perimeter, additional raised beds, low maintenance paths, information kiosk, shed, Children’s orchard, and more. The ENR Commission can support the expanded garden and programming and other garden opportunities. b.Harvest Park Native Seed Garden: The Harvest Park Native Seed Garden is located on 1.5 acres on the north side of Harvest Park. Maplewood partners with Urban Roots (www.urbanrootsmn.org) on the seed garden, which incorporates a mix of native forbs and grasses, designed to facilitate the harvesting of seed from the plants to use in future restoration projects. In 2022 three programs are being offered at the Harvest Park Native Seed Gardening including: Pollinator Planting – May 24, 2022, 6 to 7 p.m. Plant Identification/Bird Watching - Saturday, July 23, 2022, 10 to 11 a.m. Seed Harvesting - Tuesday, September 27, 2021, 6 to 7 p.m. The ENR Commission can support the Harvest Park Native Seed garden programming and other garden opportunities. 4 Summary The Environmental Priorities will be included in the ENR Commission’s annual report to the City Council. Attachments 1.Nature Center Task Force Recommendations 5 Attachment 1 NATURE CENTER TASK FORCE FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS JANUARY 14, 2021 1.Physical Asset - Best use of Site and Building i.Short-term (6 Months) We recommend opening the building for some number of hours as soon as practicable (Spring 2021 based on COVID guidelines) We recommend continuing on-going maintenance of trails and grounds at current levels and continue to maintain the structure at its current levels Support independent groups using the outdoor areas Expand information sharing with smartphone technology (e.g. tree trek) ADA improvements to front door (compliance with current codes) ii.Medium-term (18 months) We recommend identifying rental options to encourage use (snowshoes, GPS, nat Develop self-guided opportunities/kits for exploration with extended Wi-Fi to support technology on site and on trails Explore various models and uses in the building (day care, full day, partial day including requirements needed iii.Long-term (36 months +) We recommend finding permanent long-term programming for building 2.Partnership / Prioritization i.Short-term (6 Months) Direct outreach to Watershed District to explore opportunities having the conversation Direct outreach meeting with other nature centers to develop the sales pitch for MWNC explore their interest in partnership Research Three Rivers parks model with Ramsey County and other cities what would it take to do an East Metro collaborative parks and open space Identify home school coordination in the region (ties to on-site Naturalist) how many home schoolers are in the region Establish a city-sponsored committee for Parks/Nature Center to look at cooperative efforts establish a structural group (task force or committee) Identify possible short- Draft our expectations/requirements for what would make a good partnership Connecting with Ramsey County Master Gardeners & Minnesota Naturalists online materials ii.Medium-term (18 months) We recommend partnering/supporting the Maplewood Historical Society jointly hosting events, sharing an office, sharing programming, prairie trek, Explore ECFE programs with School Districts new looks at partnership Explore other programs with School Districts all ages/grades Direct outreach to Community Education regarding adult programs/services Shared / modified curriculum with schools virtual field trip options (start small with 1-2 lessons) Higher education outreach variety of programming Explore Maplewood/East Metro Passport model to build sense of community and expand use of the Nature Center and other natural amenities/open spaces 3.Service Levels / Business Model Short-term (6 Months) How to leverage our reputation and get the whole community involved. Identify our community leaders to help with providing access to underserved communities including Police Department Consider a delivery service Nature Center to the schools it can help with Medium-term (18 months) We recommend Brainstorm Community Outreach partners how to do more outreach community-wide similar to Albert Lea model (Blue Zones) Programming provided by Watershed District and other partners Long-term (36 months +) We recommend a yearly event for fundraising might be a good long-term goal - it seems like those types of annual events can do better generating interest and anticipation Develop plans for residents to establish their own native planting / plans rain gardens (landscape architect light) Model after Washington County We recommend exploring long-term non-profit organizational model modified legal structure 4.Financial Investments Capital and Operations i.Short-term (6 Months) Establish donation fund and fundraising GIVE TO THE MAX Friends is a 501c3 Explore established grant opportunities (Met Council, State, Federal, DNR, EPA, Developing a Go Fund Me page with Friends groups Create a donation drop-box inside similar to the MN ZOO Pursue a grant to fund naturalist position(s) ii.Medium-term (18 months) We recommend reviewing options for establishing an endowment and sustainable model for fundraising. Create a tiered program payment possibly by economic status and/or geography (i.e. lower cost for Maplewood Residents, higher cost for non- residents) We recommend writing a grant to fund a volunteer coordinator position, possibly with other Nature Centers. Sustainable donations establish on-NPR Sustaining Member or Virtual silent auction to raise money Consider a citywide referendum on funding for Nature Center what does it take to do it? use the community survey to inform the decision We recommend opening center for rentals (snowshoes, pond kits, binoculars et get some additional revenues iii.Long-term (36 months +) We recommend developing legacy gifts (i.e. wills) program and marketing LCCMR Grant funding can help fund coordination/partnership efforts big grant with big results We recommend exploring retail space/storefront long-term 5.Environmental Education i.Short-term (6 Months) More connection to Community Ed exposure and attention- connecting with them to understand their gaps shared offerings joint brochures Narrow our audience and target to do really well be known as the best and then add (rain garden example) Review past programs to revive successful education programs Native Plant Materials Be specific with age ranges (cut-offs at ages) and be expansive to include the whole family family nights 6.Volunteer Coordination and Support i.Short-term (6 Months) We recommend finding a central person/point of contact to make it run very well. Coordinators make/break the success of events and programs Be sure we have the right technology tools to track Volgistics Subscription Align our volunteer coordinator with peer cities/partners "Utilize a team of volunteers to help staff investigate and follow up on the Task Force recommendations" coordination and follow through ii.Medium-term (18 months) We recommend coordinators work on site to access materials and can be on hand running volunteers (Lead Volunteers to train and nurture the volunteer base) Recruit volunteers to continue to work in 2021 on a 2nd tier action-oriented task force to investigate each recommendation in our final proposal. Agenday Item 6.a. ENVIRONMENTAL & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSIONSTAFF REPORT Meeting Date February 22, 2022 REPORT TO: Environmental and Natural Resources Commission REPORT FROM: Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner PRESENTER: Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner AGENDA ITEM: 2021 ENR Commission Annual Report Action Requested: MotionDiscussion Public Hearing Form of Action: Resolution OrdinanceContract/Agreement Proclamation Policy Issue: Annually the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission submits a report to the City Council and the community. Recommended Action: Recommend approval of the 2021 ENR Commission Annual Report. Fiscal Impact: Is There a Fiscal Impact? No Yes, the true or estimated cost is $0 Financing source(s): Adopted Budget Budget Modification New Revenue Source Use of Reserves Other: n/a Strategic Plan Relevance: Financial SustainabilityIntegrated CommunicationTargeted Redevelopment Operational EffectivenessCommunity InclusivenessInfrastructure & Asset Mgmt. The annual reports serve as an important method of updating the City Council and the community on the City’s environmental and sustainability accomplishments and goals. Background Attached to this memo is a draft of the 2021 ENR Commission Annual Report. The report will be included in the new Parks and Natural Resources Department update to the City Council, and will include the 2021 Park and Recreation Commission Annual Report. The report will be presented to the City Council in the spring of 2022, and posted on the ENR Commission website. Attachments 1.2021 Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Annual Report (Draft) Attachment 1 2021 Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Annual Report Purpose The Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) Commission provides recommendations to the Community Design Review Board, Planning Commission, and City Council on changes necessary to existing policies, operating procedures and ordinances that control, protect, preserve and enhance the City’s environmental assets. The Commission works closely with the Parks and Natural Resources Department to implement the mission of the department. Mission In order to protect, preserve and enhance the environment of the City of Maplewood, the ENR Commission will: 1. Actively participate in and support the mission and goals of the Maplewood Nature Center and Neighborhood Preserves by promoting environmental awareness through educational programs, communications and co-sponsored activities. 2. Pro-actively promote greater use and appreciations of the City’s environmental assets. 3. Review the role of other City groups and how they might assist, support and advise the ENR Commission. 4. Sponsor environmental projects to enhance, repair, replace or restore neglected or deteriorating environmental assets of the City. 5. Develop educational programs and materials that foster the mission to the ENR Commission. 6. Develop and promote the use of “sustainable practices” for City policies and procedures. Membership The ENR Commission is a seven-member, volunteer advisory commission with three-year terms. The membership is made up of Maplewood residents committed to preserving and enhancing the environment. The 2021 Commissioners are: Member Term Emma Broadnax 10-25-21 to 09-30-24 Rebecca Bryan 04-26-21 to 09-30-24 Kayla Dosser 10-12-20 to 09-30-23 Benjamin Guell 10-25-21 to 09-30-24 Mollie Miller 09-22-14 to 09-30-23 Ann Palzer 07-25-11 to 09-30-22 Ted Redmond 11-14-16 to 09-30-22 Candace Okeson and Keith Buttleman resigned their positions on the Commission in 2021. ENR Commission Staff Liaison The Parks and Natural Resources Department provides staff liaisons and technical support for two of the City’s citizen advisory Commissions including the ENR Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission. Shann Finwall, Environmental Planner, is the staff liaison to the ENR Commission. 2021 Environmental Priorities and Accomplishments The Commission’s 2021 environmental priority was the completion of the City’s Climate Adaptation Plan, which was approved by the City Council in May 2021. The plan prepares the City and its partners for challenges and vulnerabilities associated with our changing climate. The ENR Commission is identified in the plan as the main citizen-body in place to support implementation. The 2040 Comprehensive Plan outlines the next step in climate action planning to be the development of a Climate Mitigation Plan to guide the City and its partners toward reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The Commission completed updates to the Mississippi River Critical Area (MRCCA) and Slope Ordinance. The City was required to amend the MRCCA ordinance to be consistent with new State Rules and updated the Slope ordinance to be consistent with the new MRCCA ordinance amendments. The City Council adopted the ordinance in October 2021, and the Department of Natural Resources approved the ordinance soon after. The City participates in the SolSmart Program and has been awarded the Silver level for removing barriers and encouraging solar in the community. The SolSmart advisors offered feedback on the solar portion of the City’s 2011 Renewable Energy Ordinance. The Commission is recommending amendments to the ordinance based on that feedback. The Renewable Energy Ordinance amendments are scheduled to go to the City Council in the spring of 2022. 2022 Environmental Priorities 1. Climate Action Planning - Action items outlined in the City’s Climate Adaptation Plan including: a. Climate mitigation planning (pending MPCA grant). b. Study to identify financial mechanisms that will assist the City with the implementation of climate adaptation and mitigation goals. c. Climate Action Engagement - Support the City’s climate action engagement programs throughout 2022. d. Review Climate Adaptation Plan Implementation Progress – review and report on the Climate Adaptation Plan implementation progress in the ENR Commission annual reports. 2. Nature Center Task Force Recommendations – The ENR Commission will support upcoming programs and volunteer opportunities at the Nature Center and Nature Preserves. 3. Community Garden/Urban Agriculture - The ENR Commission will support upcoming programs and volunteer opportunities at the Edgerton Community Garden and Harvest Park Native Seed Garden. 2