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Home My WebLink About9-10-25 ENR PacketAGENDA CITY OF MAPLEWOOD ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Wednesday, September 10, 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 b.June 11, 2025 5.New Business a.Energy Smart and BizRecycling Presentations b.Resolution of Appreciation for Nancy Edwards 6.Unfinished Business 7.Visitor Presentations 8.Commissioner Presentations 9.Staff Presentations (oral reports) a.Ramsey County Environmental Center Tour Summary b.Capitol Region Watershed District Tour Summary c.Friday Fireworks (Touch a Truck), Hazelwood Park, Fri., Sept. 19, 5 - 8:30 p.m. d.Buckthorn Workshop, Wakefield Community Building, Tues., Sept. 30, 5 - 6 p.m. e.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 of Maplewood Nature, Draft Annual Report •July: July 21, 6 to 7:30 p.m.: Environmental Center Tour in lieu of regular meeting •August: August 18, 6 to 7:30 p.m.: Capitol Region Watershed District Tour 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. MINUTES CITY OF MAPLEWOOD ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Wednesday, June 11, 2025 6:00 P.M. 1.CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Lates called a meeting of the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission to order at 6:05 p.m. 2.ROLL CALL Rebecca Bryan, Commissioner Present Joanne Cryer, Commissioner Absent Benjamin Guell, Commissioner Present David Lates, Chairperson Present Ted Redmond, Commissioner Absent Wes Saunders-Pearce, Commissioner Absent There was not a quorum of members, therefore, no official motions or approvals will be made during the meeting. The meeting was held for discussion purposes only. Staff Present Shann Finwall, Sustainability Coordinator Mike Darrow, Assistant City Manager/Human Resources Director 3.APPROVAL OF AGENDA No action taken. 4.APPROVAL OF MINUTES a.May 19, 2025 May 19, 2025, Environmental and Natural Resources Commission minutes were tabled for the next meeting. 5.NEW BUSINESS a.Board and Commission Updates Mike Darrow, Assistant City Manager/Human Resources Director, discussed the Board and Commission roles. Mr. Darrow is attending all City Boards and Commissions to get feedback on how the City can better support their work. The Environmental and Natural Resources Commission offered the following feedback and suggestions: •The City could dedicate space in the Maplewood Living newsletter for Board and Commission articles. Agenda Item 4.b. 2 • Updates from staff on City Council actions. • The Commission would like to work with the City’s communication department on education and outreach for the upcoming Climate Mitigation Plan. • Training sessions for Boards and Commissions. • Dedicated shirts or name tags for Board and Commission members to wear during events. b. Friends of Maplewood Nature Friends of Maplewood Nature representatives (John Zakejl, president and Kathy Janis, treasurer) gave a presentation on their work and mission. They discussed how the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission and the Friends of Maplewood Nature could coordinate their work plans and priorities. The Environmental and Natural Resources Commission offered the following feedback and suggestions: • Attend Friends of Maplewood Nature board meetings. • Assist with fundraising. • Help support the Nature Center. • Coordinate education and outreach at events such as Waterfest. c. Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Annual Report Shann Finwall, Sustainability Coordinator, gave an update on the Commission’s annual report. The final report will go to the City Council in the next month for approval. 6. UNFINISHED 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. Waterest Summary – Saturday, May 31 b. Ramsey County Environmental Center Tour – Monday, July 21 c. ENR Commission Calendar 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting ended at 6:46 p.m. ENVIRONMENTAL & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION STAFF REPORT Meeting Date September 10, 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 Minnesota Chamber of Commerce administers two programs that assist businesses in reducing energy and waste including Energy Smart and BizRecycling. Energy Smart programs are free to businesses serviced by Xcel Energy. BizRecycling is a free public program offered by Ramsey/Washington Recycling to support business waste reduction and recycling efforts. Recommended Action: Review the presentations by Energy Smart and BizRecycling. Discuss how the City can promote these programs while supporting the City’s energy and solid waste goals. 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 Inclusiveness ☐Financial & Asset Mgmt Environmental Stewardship ☐Integrated Communication ☐Operational Effectiveness ☐Targeted Redevelopment Assisting Maplewood businesses with energy and solid waste reduction is one of the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission’s 2025 environmental priorities. That focus reflects the City’s broader commitment to sustainability and climate resilience. Background: Energy Smart The Energy Smart program helps businesses find opportunities to reduce electric and natural gas use to save money and reduce emissions. Energy experts will conduct a walkthrough of the business to get familiar with the energy needs, analyze past utility use to better understand operations, then tailor recommendations to reduce energy use. The Energy Smart team will also offer information on rebate, grant, and loan programs to help get the projects done. Agenda Item 5.a. 2 BizRecycling BizRecycling helps businesses reduce waste and recycle better. Businesses receive on- site solid waste consultations, technical assistance, and grants to implement best practices in waste management. Summary Alex Christianson, Energy Smart Program Manager and Andrew Hilger, Waste Wise Program Manager will be present at the September 10, 2025, Environmental and Natural Resources Commission meeting to present the Energy Smart and Waste Wise Programs. Attachments: None ENVIRONMENTAL & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION STAFF REPORT Meeting Date September 10, 2025 REPORT TO: REPORT FROM: PRESENTER: AGENDA ITEM: Action Requested:  Motion ☐Discussion ☐ Public Hearing Form of Action: Resolution ☐ Ordinance ☐Contract/Agreement ☐ Proclamation 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 Nancy Edwards. 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 Inclusiveness ☐Financial & Asset Mgmt Environmental Stewardship ☐Integrated Communication  Operational Effectiveness ☐Targeted Redevelopment The City appreciates its citizen volunteers and provides recognition for members upon resignation. During her term on the Commission, Nancy Edwards helped guide environmental policies and ordinances and has assisted with environmental outreach in the City. Background: Nancy Edwards resigned as a member of the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission on June 17, 2025. Ms. Edwards served on the Commission for two years and four months, from February 13, 2023, to June 17, 2025. Attachments: 1.Resolution of Appreciation for Nancy Edwards Agenda Item 5.b. RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION FOR NANCY EDWARDS WHEREAS, Nancy Edwards has been a member of the Maplewood Environmental and Natural Resources Commission for three years, serving from February 13, 2023, to June 17, 2025. Ms. Edwards has served faithfully in those capacities; and WHEREAS, during her term on the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission, Ms. Edwards helped guide City environmental ordinances and policies including the Green Building Code, Climate Mitigation Planning process, City solid waste and energy programs, and assisted with the Commission’s environmental education and outreach. WHEREAS, the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission and City Council have appreciated her experience, insights and good judgment; and WHEREAS, Ms. Edwards has freely given her time and energy, without compensation, for the betterment of the City of Maplewood; and WHEREAS, Ms. Edwards has shown dedication to her duties and has consistently contributed her leadership 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 that Nancy Edwards 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 Attachment 1