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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDelete - wrong version 1 MINUTES CITY OF MAPLEWOOD ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Monday, February 28, 2024 7:00 P.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Bryan called a meeting of the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission to order at 7:03 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Emma Broadnax, Commissioner Absent Rebecca Bryan, Chairperson Present Nancy Edwards, Commissioner Present Benjamin Guell, Commissioner Present (at 7:07 p.m.) David Lates, Commissioner Present Ted Redmond, Commissioner Present Staff Present Shann Finwall, Environmental Planner Carole Gernes, Natural Resources Coordinator 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Redmond moved to approve the February 28, 2024, Environmental and Natural Resources Commission meeting agenda. Seconded by Chairperson Bryan Ayes – Chairperson Bryan, Commissioner Edwards, Lates, and Redmond. Nays - None The motion passed. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. November 20, 2023 Commissioner Redmond moved to approve the November 20, 2023, Environmental and Natural Resources Commission meeting minutes as written. Seconded by Commissioner Edwards Ayes – Chairperson Bryan, Commissioner Edwards, Lates, and Redmond Nays - None The motion passed. 2 5. NEW BUSINESS a. Election of Chair and Vice Chair Commissioner Guell recommended himself as Chairperson. Commissioner Lates recommended himself as Vice-Chairperson. Commissioner Redmond made a motion to elect Commissioner Guell as Chairperson and Commission Lates as Vice-Chairperson for 2024. Seconded by Commissioner Bryan. Ayes – All The motion passed. b. Resolution of Appreciation for Mollie Miller Chairperson Guell recommended approval of the resolution of appreciation for Mollie Miller. Seconded by Commissioner Redmond. Ayes – All The motion passed. Environmental Planner Finwall stated the resolution of appreciation will be presented to the City Council on April 8, 2024, for final approval. c. 2024 Work Plan and Environmental Priorities Environmental Planner Finwall presented the 2024 Work Plan and Environmental Priorities. To help guide environmental priorities for 2024, the Commission reviewed the City Council Strategic Priorities, Commission duties and responsibilities, 2040 Comprehensive Plan (Natural Resources and Sustainability Chapters), and Climate Adaptation Plan. Additionally, representatives from the Friends of Maplewood Nature and Carole Gernes, Natural Resources Coordinator, are present tonight to discuss their work plans for 2024. 1) Friends of Maplewood Nature Update Friends of Maplewood Nature Board President John Zakelj, and Board Members Rachel Van Heel and Kathy Janice, presented the Friends of Maplewood Nature work and mission as follows: • Updates on the Ramsey County grassland site located west of the Ramsey County Corrections Facility on Century Avenue. The Friends of Maplewood Nature expressed their support for the preservation of this land for important bird habitat. • Updates on programs that the Friends of Maplewood Nature have implemented including the annual Gnome Hunt and Tree Trek at the Maplewood Nature Center. • The Friends of Maplewood Nature expressed their support for the return of a naturalist at the Nature Center in order to continue the City’s environmental education. 3 2) Natural Resources Update Carole Gernes, Natural Resources Coordinator, presented the 2024 natural resources work. The Environmental and Natural Resources Commission discussed preliminary 2024 environmental priorities including improvements to recycling and food scrap collection, and coordinating events with the Friends of Maplewood Nature including the upcoming Waterfest event. City staff will bring the work plan and environmental priorities back to the Commission in April for final approval and inclusion in the annual report to the City Council. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None 7. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS None 8. COMMISSIONER PRESENTATIONS None 9. STAFF PRESENTATIONS Environmental Planner Finwall updated the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission on the following: a. Edgerton Community Garden Registration – Returning Gardeners March 1 to 15; New Gardeners March 20 (www.maplewoodmn.gov/communitygarden) b. Maplewood Spring Clean Up – April 13, 2024, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Aldrich Arena (www.maplewoodmn.gov/cleanups) 10. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Bryan made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Lates. Ayes – All The motion passed. Chairperson Guell adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.