HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-07-29 ENR Minutes
MINUTES
CITY OF MAPLEWOOD
ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
Monday, July 17, 2023
7:00 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Acting Chairperson Miller called a meeting of the Environmental and Natural Resources
Commission to order at 7:02 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Emma Broadnax, Commissioner Present
Rebecca Bryan, Chairperson Absent
Nancy Edwards, Commissioner Absent
Benjamin Guell, Commissioner Absent
David Lates, Commissioner Present
Mollie Miller, Commissioner Present
Ted Redmond, Commissioner Present
Staff Present
Shann Finwall, Environmental Planner
Taylor Mathison, Gold Leaf Intern
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioner Redmond moved to approve the July 17, 2023, Environmental and
Natural Resources Commission agenda.
Seconded by Commissioner Broadnax Ayes – All
The motion passed.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. June 22, 2023
The Commission tabled the June 22, 2023, approval of the minutes to the July
meeting.
5. NEW BUSINESS
a. Climate Mitigation Planning
Taylor Mathison presented the Climate Mitigation Planning outreach and
education opportunities, including the upcoming National Night Out opportunities.
The Environmental Commission gave the following feedback:
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It would be beneficial to have a postcard or business card with the survey
QR code to distribute during events.
The City should offer prizes to all participants who submit the survey by a
certain date.
The City should consider paid social media on Facebook.
The outreach should focus on diverse neighborhoods.
b. Green Building Code
Taylor Mathison presented her updated findings on cities with EV charging
station ordinances.
Environmental Planner Finwall presented a comparison of the 2012 and 2021
International Green Construction Code including updates to the exceptions, EV
charging station and renewable energy options.
The Environmental Commission gave the following feedback:
It is a good start for the City to focus on EV charging station and
renewable energy requirements for publically funded buildings.
Eventually these regulations could be looked at for all developments, at a
minimum requiring EV and renewable energy ready developments.
The EV charging station requirements in the 2021 International Green
Construction Code are not very substantial. The City should look at
modifying that section if the code is adopted.
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
Diana Longrie, 1778 Desoto Street North, Maplewood, MN 55117
Mark Bradley, 2164 Woodlynn Avenue East, Maplewood, MN 55109
Ms. Longrie and Mr. Bradley discussed the Maplewood Mall and how installing solar
panels with a battery back-up system could create power for the mall and surrounding
properties. The Commission offered feedback on micro grids, which are not currently
allowed in Xcel Energy territory, and how the mall could install the solar and offer
subscriptions as part of a community solar agreement. Additionally, there is and will be
additional funding for renewable energy projects as part of the Inflation Reduction Act of
2022.
8. COMMISSIONER PRESENTATIONS
None
9. STAFF PRESENTATIONS
Environmental Planner Finwall updated the Environmental and Natural Resources
Commission on the following:
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a. July 26 – Celebrate Summer event to be held at Afton Heights Park. The City
will have a climate action booth to do outreach on our climate mitigation planning.
b. August 1 – National Night Out which includes neighborhood parties throughout
the City. There is an opportunity to do some climate action outreach at a
manufactured home park neighborhood party.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Redmond made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Seconded by Commissioner Lates Ayes – All
The motion passed.
Acting Chairperson Miller adjourned the meeting at 8:06 p.m.
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