HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnvironmental Quality Committee Minutes 05-08-2019APPROVED Minutes
Environmental Quality Committee (EQC)
May 8, 2019
MEMBERS PRESENT: Committee Members Paul Senne, Andy Polzin, Marita Prokop,
Clark Gregor, Joel Spoonheim, Laura Babcock
MEMBERS ABSENT: Marky Williamson
STAFF PRESENT: Water Resources Manager Vanessa Strong, Senior Engineering
Technician Ben Scharenbroich
1. Call to Order – 7:02 P.M.
2. Public Forum
Steve Japs, with Green Step Cities, shared his opinions on climate change and encouraged the
committee to actively pursue implementing the Green Steps program in Plymouth. Water
Resources Manager Strong updated the committee on the progress of the Resolution to implement
the Green Steps program. She indicated that the new City Engineer would like to review the
program and also meet with the committee in June.
3. Approval of Agenda
Chair Prokop proposed adding an agenda item to get an update on the Bass and Pomerleau Lake
Alum Treatment. Motion by Committee Member Senne, seconded by Committee Member Polzin,
recommending approval of the May 8, 2019 Environmental Quality Committee meeting agenda
as amended. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
4. Consent Agenda
A. Approve March 2019 EQC Meeting Minutes
Motion by Committee Member Polzin, seconded by Committee Member Babcock recommending
approval of the Consent Agenda. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
5. General Business
A. Bass and Pomerleau Lake Alum Treatment
Senior Engineering Technician Scharenbroich updated the committee on the progress of the
program: the contracts were currently being signed and following that all entities involved would
meet to discuss the timeline of the treatment. He also gave an overview of what the treatment
entails and why it was being done. This will be the first alum treatment on a lake in Plymouth.
B. Medicine Lake Boat Launch Closure
Water Resources Manager Strong explained that the Council approved closure of the boat launch
for the 2019 season, but also was looking for staff to make a recommendation as to whether or not
the launch should be permanently closed starting in 2020.
Environmental Quality Committee Minutes
May 8, 2019
Page 2
Committee Member Spoonheim shared that the City of Medicine Lake does not have a boat launch
on Medicine Lake. The three boat launches are the Plymouth launch, Hardy’s launch, and the
Three Rivers at French Park. He said AMLAC supports closing the launch for three weekends in
the spring and fall to help control the spread of invasive species. He indicated that he was involved
with polling the residents on the lake and the feedback was favorable to close the launch.
C. Drop Off Day Summary
Water Resources Manager summarized the event, highlighting the three changes implemented this
year: one-way traffic on 23rd Avenue, having an unadvertised “soft” open at 7:00 a.m., and
charging $100 for box trucks. Final numbers were not yet available. This year the traffic flow was
improved and was much safer, but the wait time was the longest yet for this event. Staff is looking
at what the cause was for this and leaning towards the thought that more items per vehicle were
brought in, which delays the time to unload. Staff will review and consider options to see what
changes can be made to alleviate the wait time.
D. Environmental Commission Conference Recap
Committee Members Polzin and Williamson attended the conference. Committee Member Polzin
gave a recap: 48 commissioners from 22 commissions attended the conference. The morning
session consisted of break-out discussions of several topics and each group gave an overview of
what their city was doing relative to the topics. Some of the topics included energy, carbon,
organics, water quality conservation, sustainable lawns/landscaping, and transportation.
The afternoon session had presentations on effective residential and business outreach and
effective youth engagement.
Polzin said several of the cities have student members but few of the students had voting rights.
He also indicated several cities were part of the Green Steps program.
6. Reports and Staff Recommendations
7. Future Meetings June 12, 2019
• Green Steps
• Introduce Chris LaBounty, City Engineer
8. Adjournment
Environmental Quality Committee adjourned at 8:25 p.m.