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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6-11-25 ENR PacketAGENDA CITY OF MAPLEWOOD ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Wednesday, June 11, 2025 6:00 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. May 19, 2025 5. New Business a. Board and Commission Updates b. Friends of Maplewood Nature c. Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Annual Report 6. Unfinished Business 7. Visitor Presentations 8. Commissioner Presentations 9. Staff Presentations (oral reports) a. Waterfest Summary – Saturday, May 31, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lake Phalen Park b. Ramsey County Environmental Center Tour – Monday, July 21, 6 to 7:30 p.m. c. ENR Commission Calendar 10. Adjourn MINUTES CITY OF MAPLEWOOD ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Monday, May 19, 2025 7:00 P.M. 1.CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Lates called a meeting of the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission to order at 7:01 p.m. 2.ROLL CALL Rebecca Bryan, Commissioner Present Joanne Cryer, Commissioner Present Nancy Edwards, Vice-Chairperson Present Benjamin Guell, Commissioner Absent David Lates, Chairperson Present Ted Redmond, Commissioner Present (at 7:03 p.m.) Wes Saunders-Pearce, Commissioner Present Staff Present Shann Finwall, Sustainability Coordinator 3.APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Bryan moved to approve the May 19, 2025, Environmental and Natural Resources Commission meeting agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Edwards. Ayes – All The motion passed. 4.APPROVAL OF MINUTES a.April 21, 2025 Commissioner Saunders-Pearce moved to approve the April 21, 2025, Environmental and Natural Resources Commission meeting minutes as written. Seconded by Chairperson Lates. Ayes – Commissioners Cryer, Edwards, Lates, Saunders-Pearce Abstain – Commissioner Bryan Not Yet Present – Commissioner Redmond The motion passed. Agenda Item 4.a. 2 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. St. Paul Police Training Facility, 2621 Linwood Avenue East – Wetland Buffer Variance Sustainability Coordinator Finwall presented the St. Paul Police Training Facility wetland buffer variance and additional wetland buffer mitigation strategies proposed since the April 21, 2025 Environmental and Natural Resources meeting. Deb Brandwick, AIA, Principal – Senior Project Architect, Oertel Architects answered questions from the Commission. Ms. Brandwick confirmed that buckthorn removal would still take place within the buffer on the western wetland; the fence proposed is 3.5 feet high, made of galvanized steel poles with chains, and will be located along the Class 5 surface and the newly established wetland buffer on the eastern wetland; wetland buffer mitigation will equal 2 square feet of mitigation to 1 square feet of impact; and the applicants are receptive to planting native plugs to improve plant diversity along the north side of the eastern wetland once nonnative plants are removed. Commissioner Pearce-Saunders moved to approve the St. Paul Police Training Facility wetland buffer variance and mitigation strategies with the condition that native plugs be planted in key areas of the northern wetland buffer of the eastern wetland in order to improve plant diversity. Seconded by Chairperson Lates. Ayes – All The motion passed. 6. NEW BUSINESS 7. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS None 8. COMMISSIONER PRESENTATIONS None 9. STAFF PRESENTATIONS Sustainability Coordinator Finwall updated the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission on the following: a. New ENR Commission Meeting Schedule – Second Wednesday of the Month at 6 p.m. beginning June 11, 2025 b. Spring Clean Up Summary – Saturday, May 3 3 Commissioners Cryer and Saunders-Pearce volunteered at the event. There were 331 residents that attended the event to recycle/dispose of bulky items and other items that take special processing. c.Waterfest – Saturday, May 31, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lake Phalen Park Commissioners Cryer, Saunders-Pearce, and Lates are on the Waterfest Subcommittee and are making plans for the Commission’s environmental education booth at the event. This year the Commission will focus on trees and the City’s participation in Tree City USA. d.Ramsey County Environmental Center Tour – Monday, July 21, 6 to 7:30 p.m. e.ENR Commission Calendar •June 11: Commission Roles and Responsibilities Discussion, Friends ofMaplewood Nature, Draft Annual Report •July: July 21, 6 to 7:30 p.m.: Environmental Center Tour in lieu of regularmeeting •August: August 18, 6 to 7:30 p.m.: Capitol Region Watershed DistrictTour in lieu of regular meeting •September 10: BizRecycling/Energy Smart 10.ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Lates made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Bryan. Ayes – All The motion passed. Chairperson Lates adjourned the meeting at 7:46 p.m. ENVIRONMENTAL & NATURAL RESOURCES COMISSION STAFF REPORT Meeting Date June 11, 2025 REPORT TO: REPORT FROM: PRESENTER: AGENDA ITEM: Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Mike Darrow, Assistant City Manager/Human Resources Mike Darrow, Assistant City Manager/Human Resources Board and Commission Updates Action Requested: ☐ ✓☐ Form of Action: ☐☐☐☐ Policy Issue: Board and Commission roles, terms and overall purpose. Recommended Action: No action is required. Fiscal Impact: Is There a Fiscal Impact? ✓ No ☐ Yes, the true or estimated cost is enter amount or $0.00. Financing source(s): ☐ Adopted Budget ☐ Budget Modification ☐ New Revenue Source ☐Use of Reserves ✓ Other: n/a ✓Community Inclusiveness ☐Financial & Asset Mgmt ☐Environmental Stewardship ✓Integrated Communication ☐Operational Effectiveness ☐Targeted Redevelopment Background: The City is fortunate to have dedicated board and commission members who serve in an advisory capacity to the Mayor and City Council. Your contributions are vital in shaping and refining policy, reviewing plans, and supporting long-range planning efforts. The purpose of this conversation is to hear directly from board and commission members about how we can better support your work. We also hope to discuss your roles, terms of service, the purpose of each group, and opportunities to improve efficiency. Attachments: None Agenda Item 5.a. ENVIRONMENTAL & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION STAFF REPORT Meeting Date June 11, 2025 REPORT TO: REPORT FROM: PRESENTER: AGENDA ITEM: Action Requested: ☐ Motion Discussion ☐ Public Hearing Form of Action: ☐Resolution ☐ Ordinance ☐Contract/Agreement ☐ Proclamation Policy Issue: Friends of Maplewood Nature support and advocate for the maintenance and preservation of the Maplewood Nature Center and Preserves, help maintain and support community environmental health, support environmental education, increase awareness of nature, and provide a means for community citizens to connect with nature. Recommended Action: Discuss how the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission and Friends of Maplewood Nature can coordinate their work plans and priorities. Fiscal Impact: Is There a Fiscal Impact?  No ☐ Yes, the true or estimated cost is enter amount or $0.00. Financing source(s): ☐ Adopted Budget ☐ Budget Modification ☐ New Revenue Source ☐Use of Reserves  Other: N/A Strategic Plan Relevance: Community Inclusiveness ☐Financial & Asset Mgmt Environmental Stewardship ☐Integrated Communication  Operational Effectiveness ☐Targeted Redevelopment Coordinating work plans and priorities with the City’s partners helps ensure broad participation, smoother operations, and responsible care for the City’s environmental assets and natural resources. Background: The Friends of Maplewood Nature was formed in 2007 as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) for the benefit of the community. This group complements tax dollars spent on management of the City’s natural areas and the Nature Center’s educational programs. Their mission includes: • Education: Connect children with nature, and offer adults practical environmental classes. Agenda Item 5.b. •Environment: Model nature resources and invasive species management, and provide habitat for native plants, trees, and animals. •Economic: Attract prospective homebuyers, and attract regional visitors who patronize local businesses. •Recreation: Provide space for outdoor activities, and provide space to sit quietly with nature. Representatives of the Friends of Maplewood Nature will be present at the June 11, 2025, ENR Commission meeting. They will give a presentation on their work and mission, and hold a discussion with the ENR Commission on how the two entities can coordinate their work plans and priorities. Attachments: 1.Friends of Maplewood Nature Background Information 2 Mission Statement  To support and advocate for the maintenance and preservation of the Maplewood Nature Center and Preserves  To help maintain and support community environmental health  To support environmental education  To increase awareness of nature  To provide a means for community citizens to connect with nature By Roxie Aho By Jill Bemis Attachment 1 Who we are •All volunteer, independent non-profit •Founded in 2007 •Supported by memberships, private donations and grants How you can help •Become a member of the Friends •Volunteer with the Friends Member of the Board Newsletter editor Participate in Friends' activities such as field trips •Volunteer with Maplewood Parks and Natural Resources https://maplewoodmn.gov/2090/Parks-and-Natural- Resources-Volunteer-Op Friends of Maplewood Nature Partnership with ISD 622 In 2024, the Friends of Maplewood Nature initiated a partnership with the ISD 622 Education Foundation. The Friends worked with the Foundation to expand a program offering mini-grants to teachers for creative projects. We hope this will be the beginning of a broader partnership to expand and improve educational programs about nature and the environment. Photo by Steve Meisel Friends help maintain and support community environment health Preservation and maintenance of remaining natural areas in Maplewood is a key to our environmental health. The Friends have been working with other organizations to preserve natural habitat at the 77 acre Battle Creek Grassland next to the Ramsey County Correctional Facility and the 92 acre former Ponds Golf Course. The significance of our work has been recognized by the Star Tribune in articles published 9/1/24 and 1/28/22. Final decisions regarding both properties are expected in 2025. By K. Wachal Annual Gnome Challenge Look for gnomes while enjoying a FREE, self-guided walk on the Maplewood Nature Center trails. Take a picture of your favorite gnome and submit it for a prize drawing! Next Gnome Challenge is February 22-March 2. Tree Trek Is a self-guided Tour along a path that leads visitors through the Maplewood Nature to find more than 30 tree & shrub species. At each tree in the Tree Trek a sign post with information regarding the specific species is installed. A QR code at each tree provides a map with more information about the tree. Supporting the Maplewood Nature Center Friends Partnership With St. Paul Bird Alliance (formerly St. Paul Audubon) The Friends of Maplewood Nature recently received two grants totaling $3,588 from St. Paul Bird Alliance for a bird and pollinator garden next to Maplewood Nature Center. Featuring a broad variety of beautiful native plants. Volunteers always welcomed! Greg Burns (St. Paul Audubon) & John Zakelj (Friends) Breaking ground New Birdfeeder station Friends Social Media Links: Friends of Maplewood Nature website: https://friendsofmaplewoodnature.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendsofmaplewoodnature/ Friends YouTube channel,which includes birding videos produced by Konnie Her: https://www.youtube.com/@friendsofmaplewoodnature6460/ X (formerly Twitter) page: https://x.com/MaplewoodNature?mx=2 Maplewood Nature Camera Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/maplewoodnaturecameraclub/ By K. Wachal By Jim Guy By NyiaJ Leej Waj By John Zakelj By Steve Porter ENVIRONMENTAL & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION STAFF REPORT Meeting Date June 11, 2025 REPORT TO: REPORT FROM: PRESENTER: AGENDA ITEM: Action Requested:  Motion ☐Discussion ☐ Public Hearing Form of Action: ☐Resolution ☐ Ordinance ☐Contract/Agreement ☐ Proclamation Policy Issue: The Environmental and Natural Resources Commission submits an annual report to the City Council. Recommended Action: Motion to approve the 2024 Environmental and Natural Resources Commission 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 Inclusiveness Financial & Asset Mgmt Environmental Stewardship ☐Integrated Communication ☐Operational Effectiveness ☐Targeted 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 2024 annual report. The report includes the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission’s purpose, mission, membership, accomplishments, and priorities. Attachments: 1.Environmental and Natural Resources Commission 2024 Annual Report Agenda Item 5.c. 2024 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 of 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 •Rebecca Bryan 04-26-21 to 09-30-27 •Joanne Cryer 11-12-24 to 09-30-26 •Nancy Edwards 02-13-23 to 09-30-25 •Benjamin Guell 10-25-21 to 09-30-27 •David Lates 02-13-23 to 09-30-25 •Ted Redmond 11-14-16 to 09-30-25 •Wes Saunders-Pearce 11-12-24 to 09-30-27 Attachment 1 2 Emma Broadnax resigned from the ENR Commission in September 2024. Commissioners Cryer and Saunders-Pearce were appointed to the ENR Commission on November 12, 2024. Commissioner Cryer filled the vacancy left by Mollie Miller with a term ending September 30, 2026, and Commissioner Saunders-Pearce filled the vacancy left by Emma Broadnax with a term ending September 30, 2027. 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, Sustainability Coordinator, is the staff liaison to the ENR Commission. 2024 Environmental Accomplishments 1.Residential Recycling and Trash 2024 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. 2.Climate Mitigation Planning: The ENR Commission appointed two Commissioners to serve on the Climate Mitigation Plan (CMP) Team. The CMP Team will be made up of representatives from all Commissions and Boards, City staff, residents, and business owners. The Team will meet throughout 2024 to collaborate on goals and action items designed to reduce greenhouse gas from City operations and City-wide. 3.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 electric vehicle requirements and other green building initiatives. This work will continue in 2025. 2025 Work Plan Work plan items include subject matters that are carried over from last year’s environmental priorities, or subject matters that require review by the ENR Commission based on City contract, policy, ordinance or State rules or regulations. In 2025 the ENR Commission will review the following items: 1.Trash and Recycling 2025 Annual Review: The contracts with Republic Services for residential trash collection and Tennis Sanitation for residential recycling collection require that they submit an annual report for review by the ENR Commission and City Council. The ENR Commission also reviews a work plan that outlines system improvements yearly. 2.Trash and Recycling Request for Proposals: The residential trash and recycling contracts end June 30, 2027. The contracts were extended for two years in 2024, from the previous end date of June 30, 2025. Therefore, any new contracts should be the result of a request for proposal (RFP) process. The creation of an RFP, proposal review, and contract drafting process takes approximately 18 months to the beginning of a new contract. 3.Climate Mitigation Plan: Once a draft of the CMP is complete, the ENR Commission will review the draft goals and action items. Future CMP action item implementation may also come before the ENR Commission once the plan is approved by the City Council. 3 4.Green Building Code: Continue to review the City’s Green Building Code to ensure it is meeting the City’s sustainability goals, and to review options for electric vehicle requirements and other green building initiatives. Environmental Priorities Yearly the ENR Commission recommends environmental priorities that should be reviewed based on new or revised regulations, programs, technologies, or identified problems. In 2025 the ENR Commission recommends the following environmental priorities: 1.Two environmental tours including the new Ramsey County Environmental Service Center (as part of Republic Services’ Work Plan) and the Capital Region Watershed District Building (to highlight the green building and the watershed district’s work on clean water). 2.Two to four presentations including Ramsey County Climate Action Plan in February, Friends of Maplewood Nature in the spring, Maplewood Municipal Stormwater Plan in the summer or fall, and BizRecycling in the fall or winter. 3.Environmental education and outreach at the Spring Clean Up on May 3 and Waterfest on May 31, as well as other outreach opportunities throughout the year.