HomeMy WebLinkAbout1-14-26 ENR Minutes-FINALMINUTES
CITY OF MAPLEWOOD
ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
6:00 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Lates called a meeting of the Environmental and Natural Resources
Commission to order at 6:04 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Rebecca Bryan, Commissioner Present
Joanne Cryer, Commissioner Present (at 6:10 p.m.)
Benjamin Guell, Commissioner Absent
David Lates, Chairperson Present
Ted Redmond, Commissioner Present
Wes Saunders-Pearce, Commissioner Present
Staff Present
Shann Finwall, Sustainability Coordinator
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chairperson Lates moved to approve the agenda.
Seconded by Commissioner Saunders-Pearce. Ayes – All
The motion passed.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. November 12, 2025
Commissioner Lates moved to approve the November 12, 2025, Environmental
and Natural Resources Commission meeting minutes as written.
Seconded by Commissioner Saunders-Pearce. Ayes – Commissioners
Bryan, Lates, Saunders-
Pearce
Abstain – Commission
Redmond
The motion passed.
5. NEW BUSINESS
a. Election of Chair and Vice Chair
2
Commissioner Bryan made a motion to nominate Commissioner Saunders-
Pearce to serve as Chairperson.
Seconded by Commissioner Lates. Ayes-All
Commissioner Lates made a motion to nominate Commissioner Cryer to serve
as Vice-Chairperson.
Seconded by Commissioner Bryan. Ayes-All
Newly elected Chair, Saunders-Pearce suggests that Commissioner Lates chair
the remainder of the meeting. Commissioner Lates accepted.
b. 2026 Work Plan and Environmental Priorities
Shann Finwall, Sustainability Coordinator, introduced the subject.
The Environmental and Natural Resources Commission was supportive of the
work plan and environmental priorities presented by staff. Following are
comments and feedback:
• Outside tours should be limited to one this year.
• Consider inviting the Center for Energy and Environment to speak at an
upcoming Commission meeting.
• The Commission should continue the stormwater management policy review.
• Review options for sustainability interns.
• The Commission should focus closely on implementation of the Climate
Mitigation Plan action items once approved by the City Council.
• The Commission should review the City’s calendar of events for educational
outreach opportunities.
Staff will summarize the discussion next month and make recommendations for
implementation.
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
None
8. COMMISSIONER PRESENTATIONS
None
9. STAFF PRESENTATIONS
Shann Finwall, Sustainability Coordinator, updated the Environmental and Natural
Resources Commission on the following:
a. November 24, 2025, City Council Meeting - Church of Pentecost, 1701 Gervais
Avenue, Wetland Buffer Variance
3
The proposed land use permits for the church expansion, including the wetland
buffer variance, were approved by the City Council on November 24.
b. Board and Commission Appreciation Dinner – Thursday, February 5, 2026, 5:00
to 6:30 p.m., North Fire Station, 1530 County Road C East
c. Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Calendar
10. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Lates adjourned the meeting at 6:54 p.m.