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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-01-23 ENR Packet AGENDA CITY OF MAPLEWOOD ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Tuesday, January 23, 2024 7:00 p.m. Maplewood City Council Chambers 1803 County Road B East 1.Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Approval of Minutes a. November 20, 2023 5. New Business a. Resolution of Appreciation for Mollie Miller b. Trash and Recycling Work Plans c. Environmental and Natural Resources Commission 2023 Annual Report 6. Unfinished Business 7. Visitor Presentations 8. Commissioner Presentations 9. Staff Presentations (oral reports) a. Update on Election of Chair and Vice Chair b. Update on 2024 Work Plan and Priorities c. Update on Green Building Code d. Update on Climate Mitigation Plan e. Rescheduled February ENR Commission Meeting - Wednesday, February 28, 2024, 7 p.m. f. State of the City – February 21, 2024, 9:30 a.m., Maplewood YMCA Community Center 10. Adjourn Agenda Item 4.a. MINUTES ITY OF MAPLEWOOD C ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Monday, November 20, 2023 7:00 P.M. 1.CALL TO ORDER ChairpersonBryan called a meeting of the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission to order at 7:07 p.m. 2.ROLL CALL Emma Broadnax, CommissionerPresent Rebecca Bryan, ChairpersonPresent Nancy Edwards, CommissionerPresent Benjamin Guell, CommissionerAbsent David Lates, CommissionerPresent Ted Redmond, CommissionerPresent Staff Present Shann Finwall, Environmental Planner 3.APPROVAL OF AGENDA Environmental Planner Finwall requested that the New Business Item, Food Scraps Pickup Program, be moved after Unfinished Business to allow the representative from Ramsey County time to arrive to the meeting. Commissioner Lates moved to approve the amended November 20, 2023, Environmental and Natural Resources Commission meetingagenda. Seconded by Commissioner Redmond Ayes – All The motion passed. 4.APPROVAL OF MINUTES a.September 18, 2023 Commissioner Lates moved to approve the September 18, 2023, Environmental and Natural Resources Commission meeting minutes as written. Seconded by Commissioner Redmond Ayes – All The motion passed. 1 5.UNFINISHED BUSINESS a.Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program Environmental Planner Finwall presented the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Programand the proposed City Fleet Electrification grant outline. The deadline for the grant submittals has been extended to April 30, 2024. The Commission reviewed the eligible activities outlined in the Department of Energy’s document guides including improvement of energy efficiency of government vehicle fleets, geomapping for ideal placement of electric vehicle charging stations and infrastructure, purchase and installation electric vehicle charging stations and equipment, and implementing planning measures to improve transportation efficiency. . Commissioner Lates moved to approve the EECBG City Fleet Electrification grant submittal proposal. Seconded by Commissioner Broadnax Ayes – All The motion passed. b.Climate Mitigation Planning Environmental Planner Finwall presented the Climate Mitigation Planning including the Northern Illinois University student group’s final Climate Mitigation Engagement Plan recommendations. The Environmental Commission gave the following feedback: The City should continue to do outreach to all demographic groupsin the next phase of Climate Mitigation Planning, in addition to Hmong and Spanish speaking. The City should consider coordinating outreach with organizations doing community education, includingthe University of Minnesota Extension Services. The City shouldconsider paying for advertisement on social media sites to promote the Climate Mitigation survey in the translated languages. The organizations outlined in the student group study can then share that post. The Commission expressed their gratitude for the work the student group put into the engagement plan. 6.NEW BUSINESS a.Food Scraps Pickup Program Environmental Planner Finwall reported that the Ramsey County representative e-mailed her during the meeting indicating that they were unable to attend. Environmental Planner Finwall then updated the Commission on the Food Scraps Pickup Program. 2 The Commission had the following comments and questions for the County: The food scraps pickup program is very innovative. It will be beneficial forthe City to have access to the Food Scraps program metrics for the City’s greenhouse gas assessment. It would be interesting to see the participation rates of food scrap collection programs that use carts vs. durable compostable bags that are placed in the trash. Can you recycle the exact same items in the curbside collection as the drop off sites? Is the compost available at the yard waste sites the same compost that will be available from the food scraps program? Do residents have to buy the compost from the food scraps program, or will that be available for free? The durable compostable bags are amazing;they hold all food scraps including any type ofwet product or product with liquid. The purpose of the Food Scraps Pickup Program is to ensure food is being recycled, but it is also to reduce waste and save money. If people have to placethefood scraps back into their trash cart how can they convert to smaller trash carts to save money? 7.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS 8.COMMISSIONERPRESENTATIONS 9.STAFF PRESENTATIONS Environmental Planner Finwall updated the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission on the following: a.Prairie Farm Neighborhood Preserve LEAP Award: Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District awarded the City of Maplewood with a Landscape Ecology award for their work on the restorationof the Prairie Farm Neighborhood Preserve. b.Free Mattress Recycling Throughout November: The Ramsey Washington Recycling and Energy Center is coordinating free curbside collection of mattressesand box spring in Maplewood throughout November. All portions of the mattresses and box springs will be recycled through Second Chance Recycling. c.Green Building Code: The Green Building Code discussions will be continued throughout 2024. d.Reschedule ENR Commission Meetings: The January and February 2024 ENR Commission meetings need to be rescheduled due to holidays. Proposed dates for January are 1/18, 1/23, 1/24, 1/29, and 1/30. Proposed dates for February are 2/15, 2/22, 2/27, 2/28, and 2/29. Staff will send the proposed dates to the ENR Commission in a doodle poll. 3 10.ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Edwards made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Chairperson Bryan Ayes – All The motion passed. Chairperson Bryan adjourned the meeting at 8:01p.m. 4 Agenda Item 5.a. ENVIRONMENTAL & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSIONSTAFF REPORT Meeting Date January 23, 2024 REPORT TO:Environmental and Natural Resources Commission REPORT FROM:Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner PRESENTER: Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner AGENDA ITEM:Resolution of Appreciation for Mollie Miller Action Requested:MotionDiscussionPublic Hearing Form of Action:ResolutionOrdinanceContract/AgreementProclamation Policy Issue: When citizen members end their time of service on a commission, the City considers adoption of a resolution of appreciation recognizing the individual for their time committed to serving Maplewood. Recommended Action: Motion to approve a Resolution of Appreciation for Mollie Miller,Environmental and Natural Resources Commissioner. Fiscal Impact: Is There a Fiscal Impact?NoYes, the true or estimated cost is$0 Financing source(s):Adopted BudgetBudget ModificationNew Revenue Source Use of ReservesOther: n/a Strategic Plan Relevance: Community InclusivenessFinancial & Asset MgmtEnvironmental Stewardship Integrated CommunicationOperational EffectivenessTargeted Redevelopment The City appreciates its citizen volunteers and provides recognition for members upon resignation. Mollie Miller was a long-time Commissioner on the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission. During her term,Ms. Miller has helped guide important environmental policies and ordinances in the City. Background: Mollie Miller resigned as a member of the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission on September 30,2023. Ms. Miller served onthe Commission fornine years, from September 22, 2014to September 30, 2023. Attachments: 1.Resolution of Appreciation for Mollie Miller Attachment 1 RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATIONFOR MOLLIE MILLER WHEREAS, Mollie Miller has been a member of the Maplewood Environmental and Natural Resources Commission fornineyears,serving from September 22, 2014 toSeptember 30, 2023.Ms. Miller has served faithfully in those capacities; and WHEREAS, during her term on the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission, Ms. Miller helped guide many important City environmental ordinances and policies including: Urban Agriculture Ordinance, Renewable Energy Ordinance, Solid Waste Management Ordinance, Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area Ordinance, Maplewood Nature Center Master Plan, 2040 Comprehensive Plan, and the Climate Adaptation Planand Implementation Strategies; and WHEREAS, the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission and City Council have appreciated her experience, insights and good judgment; and WHEREAS, Ms. Miller has freely given of hertime and energy, without compensation, for the betterment of the City of Maplewood; and WHEREAS, Ms. Miller has shown dedication to herduties and has consistently contributed herleadership and efforts for the benefit of the City. NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED for and on behalf of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, and its citizens thatMollie Miller is hereby extended our gratitude and appreciation for her dedicated service. Passed by the Maplewood City Council on ____________________________ __________________________________________ Marylee Abrams, Mayor Attest: ____________________________________________ Andrea Sindt, City Clerk Agenda Item 5.b. ENVIRONMENTAL & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSIONSTAFF REPORT Meeting Date January 23, 2024 REPORT TO: Environmental and Natural Resources Commission REPORT FROM: Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner PRESENTER: Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner AGENDA ITEM: Trash and Recycling Work Plans Action Requested: MotionDiscussion Public Hearing Form of Action: Resolution OrdinanceContract/Agreement Proclamation Policy Issue: The contract with Republic Services and Tennis Sanitation requires a yearly work plan with recommendations for service improvements to the City’s solid waste programs. Recommended Action: Review and discuss the 2024 draft trash and recycling work plans. 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: Community InclusivenessFinancial & Asset MgmtEnvironmental Stewardship Integrated Communication Operational EffectivenessTargeted Redevelopment The City’s residential trash and recycling collection programs create operational effectiveness by protecting public health and safety and promoting city cleanliness and livability. It is also an important component of the City’s environmental stewardship and green assets by using best management practices to reduce waste and protect air quality, water quality, and natural resources. Background: Residential Trash and Recycling Contracts The residential trash and recycling contracts with Republic Services and Tennis Sanitation began on January 1, 2020, and end on June 30, 2025. The contracts require an annual work plan with recommendations for service improvements. 2024 Draft Work Plans Attached find a draft of the trash and recycling work plans. City staff requests the Commission review and make recommendations on service improvements outlined in the draft work plans. The Environmental and Natural Resources Commission and City Council will approve the final work plans during the trash and recycling annual review, tentatively scheduled for the spring of 2024. Attachments: 1.2024 Trash and Yard Waste Collection Work Plan 2.2024 Recycling Collection Work Plan 2 Attachment 1 2024 Trash and Yard Waste Collection Work Plan Republic Services submits an annual work plan outliningkey priorities forresidential trash and yard wastesystem improvements, including customer service improvements based on the net promoter scores, household audits (as needed), and proposed improvements to the Spring Clean-Up and Fall Clean-Up Campaigns. The work plan is incorporated into the recycling contract by reference once it is approved by the City Council. 1.Walk Ups: The contract allows Maplewood residents with difficulty bringing the trash cart to the curb to set up Walk Up service. This service allows them to place the trash cart outside their garage, and Republic Services will walk up, roll the trash cart to the curb, empty the trash cart, and roll it back to the garage. The City tracks this information. Republic Services should ensure they are notifying the City of any Walk Up services scheduled by their customer service representatives. 2.Events: a.Spring Clean Up: Per the trash and yard waste contract, Republic Services will serve as the main contractor at the annual Spring Clean Up event where residents can dispose/recycle bulky items at Aldrich Arena (1850 White Bear Avenue). The Spring Clean Up is scheduled for Saturday, April 13, 2024. b.Touch a Truck Event: Republic Services will attend the City’s annual Touch a Truck Summer Event scheduled forWednesday, June 12, 2024. c.Fall Clean Up Campaign: Per the trash and yard waste contract, Republic Services will participate in the annual Fall Clean Up Campaign where residents can schedule reduced rate curbside bulky item collection throughout the month of October. 3.Parks: Work with the City to make improvements to the solid waste collection in City parks. This initiative could involve various strategies to promote responsible waste management and environmental stewardship. 4.Tour: Coordinate a tour ofone of the facilities where the City’s trash or yard waste is processed, such as the Ramsey/Washington Recycling and Energy Center or Specialized Environmental Technologies or other solid waste educational tour opportunity. 5.Curbside Food Scraps Collection: In October 2023 Ramsey and Washington Counties have rolled out curbside organics (food scraps) collection for all Maplewood residents. Food scraps are collected from residents using durable compostable bags (food scrapbags) that are co- collected with the trash. Bags and program participationis free to residentsin single and multi- family homes. Robotic sorting technology separates the bags from thetrash at the Ramsey/Washington Recycling and Energy Center. 1 Maplewood’s trash collection will remain the same. However, there may be logistical arrangements required by Republic Services during the first phase of the food scraps collection roll out. Republic Services shall work with City and County staff on any modifications need to ensure a successful curbside food scraps collection program. 6.Possible Contract Extension: The residential trash and yard waste contract with Republic Services ends June 30, 2025. Republic Services will begin discussions with the City of Maplewood on a possible contract extension. 2 Attachment 2 2024 Recycling Collection Work Plan Tennis Sanitation submits an annual work plan outliningkey priorities for residential recycling system improvements, including improvements outlined in the City’s Ramsey County SCORE recycling work plan (Attachment 1). The work planis incorporated into the recycling contract by reference once it is approved by the CityCouncil. 1.Walk Ups: The contract allows Maplewood residents with difficulty bringing the recycling cart to the curb to set up Walk Up service. This service allows them to place the recycling cart outside their garage, and Tennis Sanitation will walk up, roll the recycling cart to the curb, empty the recycling cart, and roll it back to the garage. The City tracks this information. Tennis Sanitation should ensure they are notifying the City of any Walk Up services scheduled by their customerservice representatives. 2.Events: Tennis Sanitation will attend the City’s annual Touch a Truck Summer Event scheduled for Wednesday, June 12, 2024. 3.Parks: Work with the City to make improvements to the solid waste collection in City parks. This initiative could involve various strategies to promote responsible waste management and environmental stewardship. 4.Tour: Coordinate a tour ofTennis Sanitation’s facility. 5.2024 SCORE Agreement Work Plan: Assist the City in addressing items listed on the 2024 SCORE Agreement (Exhibit 1). 6.Small Business and Church Recycling: The contract allows small businesses and churches to opt into the City’s residential recycling program. Tennis Sanitation will assist the City in increasing the number of small business and church recycling opt in accounts. 7.Multi-Family Recycling: The contract allows multi-family properties with 21 units or more to convert to the collection of recycling in recycling dumpsters, instead of recycling carts. Tennis Sanitation will assist the City in notifying multi-family properties of this opportunity, and working with BizRecycling to make improvements to a properties’ recycling program. 8.Possible Contract Extension: The residential recycling contract with Tennis Sanitation ends June 30, 2025. Tennis Sanitation will begin discussions with the City of Maplewood on a possible contract extension. Exhibit: 2024 SCORE Agreement Work Plan Exhibit 1 Maplewood 202 Recycling Performance Work Plan Minimum Requirements Completeall 202SCORE requirements, including reporting on time andsubmitting a mid-year status report. Provide outreach to all residents about the municipality’s recycling program and submit copies of materials to Ramsey County. Use Ramsey County materials and information when and where appropriate to promote increased recycling, reuse and repair (e.g., Fix-it Clinics), medicine collection, household hazardous waste, organic waste and yard waste participation. Send materials to Ramsey County for review prior to distribution. Include county contact information on materials: 24/7 Recycling & Disposal Hotline: 651-633-EASY (3279) RamseyRecycles.com Provide links to the Ramsey County web pages on municipality website. Use hauler data to identify those not recycling and target educational materials. Ensure all multi-unit properties are meeting State law requirements to recycle and are receiving free Ramsey County resources. Increase opportunities for recycling in public spaces. All recycling bins must be paired with a trash bin and in good condition. Labels must be readable. Promote Ramsey County’s event container lending program and green event planning tips. Implement a “Green” purchasing procurement policy for city functions and facilities to use reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging. Ensure the collection of textiles for recycling is available to residents through curbside collection and to multi- unit dwellings through special collection or drop-off. Enforce recycling contracts, including the assessment of penalties for non-compliance. Audit reporting by obtaining hauler weight tickets. Have labels replaced if not readable. Attend County Recycling Coordinator meetings and attend a yearly composition study. Additional Incentive Activities Approved: Promote BizRecycling. Actively work with and promote BizRecycling to businesses and institutions in collaboration with Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy for organics recycling and food waste reduction programs. Agenda 5.c. ENVIRONMENTAL & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSIONSTAFF REPORT Meeting Date January 23, 2024 REPORT TO: Environmental and Natural Resources Commission REPORT FROM: Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner PRESENTER: Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner AGENDA ITEM: Environmental and Natural Resources Commission 2023 Annual Report Action Requested: MotionDiscussion Public Hearing Form of Action: Resolution OrdinanceContract/Agreement Proclamation Policy Issue: The Environmental and Natural Resources Commission submits an annual report to the City Council. The report includes Commission updates including membership, yearly actions, and environmental priorities. Recommended Action: Review and discuss the ENR Commission 2023 Annual Report. Fiscal Impact: Is There a Fiscal Impact? No Yes, the true or estimated cost is 0.00 Financing source(s): Adopted Budget Budget Modification New Revenue Source Use of Reserves Other: n/a Strategic Plan Relevance: Community InclusivenessFinancial & Asset MgmtEnvironmental Stewardship Integrated CommunicationOperational EffectivenessTargeted Redevelopment The Environmental and Natural Resources Commission’s annual report serves as an important method of updating the City Council and the community on the City’s environmental accomplishments and priorities. Background: Attached find a draft of the 2023 annual report. The report includes the ENR Commission’s purpose, mission, membership, accomplishments, and priorities. The report will be finalized once the ENR Commission holds their annual work plan and environmental priorities meeting. The final report will be presented to the City Council. Attachments: 1.Environmental and Natural Resources 2023 Annual Report Attachment 1 DRAFT 2023 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 Commissioners include: Member Term Emma Broadnax10-25-21 to 09-30-24 Rebecca Bryan04-26-21 to 09-30-24 Nancy Edwards02-27-23 to 09-30-25 Benjamin Guell10-25-21 to 09-30-24 David Lates02-27-23 to 09-30-25 Ted Redmond11-14-16 to 09-30-25 There is one vacancy on the Commission, left by Mollie Miller when she resigned from her position on September 30, 2023. 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. 2023 Environmental Accomplishments Review of a Wetland Buffer Variance (1910 County Road C East). The wetland buffer adjacent the creek needed to be disturbed during construction of an assisted living and memory care facility in order to remove the old discharge system. The ENR Commission made recommendations on mitigation strategies including re-establishing the buffer with native plugs and increasing the buffer area on the southwest side of the building. Tennis Sanitation and Republic Services Annual Review: The contract with Tennis Sanitation and Republic Services requires that the City hold an annual review of the residential recycling and trash collection services and adopt an annual work plan with service improvement recommendations. Clean Energy for All Project Review: The Clean Energy for All project included research, recommendations, and outreach of energy saving strategies for historically underserved populations living at manufactured home parks. The outreach portion of the project focused on 800 households at three manufactured home parks in Maplewood. Climate Mitigation Planning: The ENR Commission offered guidance and recommendations on the first phase of the project, including the creation of a survey and education and outreach throughout the summer and fall. Green Building Code: The ENR Commission has been reviewing the Green Building Code to ensure it is meeting the City’s sustainability goals and adding EV charging station requirements and other green building initiatives. This work will continue in 2024. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG): The EECBG program is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Maplewood is eligible for a formula grant for $76,530. The ENR Commission offered expertise into the grant proposal including the creation of a Green Fleet pathway that centers on an effective transition to alternative fuels, aiding decision-makers in understanding annual financial effects, conversion-ready vehicles, weighing costs against emissions, and underlining market choices. 2024 Environmental Priorities The updated 2024 priorities will be added in this section after the February work plan and environmental priorities meeting. For reference, find the 2023 priorities below: 2 Participants in the Gold Leaf Pilot Project commit to reporting at least two new climate actions that they will work on over the next year. The ENR Commission reviewed the 43 climate actions and are recommending the City take the next step in its Climate Action planning with the following: Climate Mitigation Planning: The Climate Mitigation Plan will serve as a compliment to the Climate Adaptation Plan by guiding the City toward reduced emissions. The first phase of the project will include outreach and education this summer and fall, followed by the creation of a draft plan with Maplewood stakeholders. Green Building Code: The Green Building Code was adopted in 2013. All City- funded buildings must follow the code, which includes additional energy efficiency strategies and other green building elements. The ENR Commission recommends reviewing the Green Building Code to ensure it is meeting the City’s sustainability goals and adding EV charging station requirements and other green building initiatives. 3