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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnvironmental Quality Committee Minutes 10-09-2019Approved Minutes Page 1 of 3 Regular Meeting of October 9, 2019 Approved Minutes Environmental Quality Committee Meeting October 9, 2019 Chair Prokop called a Regular Meeting of the Plymouth Environmental Quality Committee to order at 7:04 p.m. in the Medicine Lake Room of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on October 9, 2019. MEMBERS PRESENT: Marita Prokop, Marky Williamson, Paul Senne, Clark Gregor, Laura Babcock. MEMBERS ABSENT: Andy Polzin, Council Member Nick Roehl. STAFF PRESENT: Interim Water Resources Manager Ben Scharenbroich, City Engineer Chris LaBounty Public Forum Steve Japs, 4570 Weston Lane North, wanted information about the Environmental Quality Committee charter, how the topics of discussion are chosen, and how to become a member of the committee. Approval of Agenda Motion was made by Committee Member Williamson and seconded by Committee Member Gregor, to approve the Agenda. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Consent Agenda Motion was made by Committee Member Gregor and seconded by Committee Member Williamson, to adopt the Consent Agenda that included the following items: (4.1) Approve July 10, 2019 Environmental Quality Committee Meeting Minutes (4.2) Approve September 11, 2019 Environmental Quality Committee Meeting Minutes With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Approved Minutes Page 2 of 3 Regular Meeting of October 9, 2019 General Business (5.1) 2020 Environmental Quality Committee Work Plan Interim Water Resources Manager Scharenbroich presented a proposed 2020 work plan for the Environmental Quality Committee. He explained the first seven items are standard procedures, required to be discussed every year. The additional topics listed are for the EQC’s consideration, and include items of interest to the committee, as well as topics suggested by city staff. Scharenbroich asked for the committee’s feedback on the topics. City Engineer Chris LaBounty proposed a change to keep the schedule of topics flexible. Committee member Gregor stated he would like to add topics such as reviewing city efficiencies and reducing carbon footprint. He also stated he would like to help the City Council form a vision for environmental action. Committee Member Williamson noted that certain topics have deadlines and would require scheduling for specific dates. Interim Water Resources Manager Scharenbroich agreed that some topics will be date specific. Williamson also talked about the Metro Environment Commission Conference she and Committee Member Polzin attended in the spring. She said it was very informational and she would like to see other EQC members attend the conference. Committee Member Senne stated he would like to dig deeper on specific topics. Committee Member Spoonheim expressed wanting to do more than just review topics, he would like to do more involved work that will enhance the city’s operations and impact the environment. He suggested the following topics: look at what environmental and economic opportunities are not being achieved, CO2, and water quality concerns. He would like to pick two or three strategic themes that align with the City Council and staff availability. Chair Prokop was in agreement with the topics of environmental education programming and invasive species. She also talked about CO2 emissions and stated that although that is an important topic, it is a complicated and complex issue that should be addressed by the county and the MPCA. Committee Member Babcock stated she had similar feelings as committee members Senne and Spoonheim; wanting to dig deeper into topics that can make a difference. She suggested the following topics: water reporting, greenhouse gasses, recycling commodities and the city recycling contract, and consistent educational messaging. City Engineer LaBounty summarized what seems to be the topics of interest to the committee and made a suggestion to choose specific topics that could be looked at more in depth. Through continued discussion, the committee decided on the following proposed topics to be presented to the Council for the EQC 2020 Work Plan: the city’s environmental education program, recycling and solid waste, energy efficiency, and chloride. Approved Minutes Page 3 of 3 Regular Meeting of October 9, 2019 (5.2) Metropolitan Council Water Efficiency Grant Program Application Interim Water Resources Manager Scharenbroich presented the grant application being submitted to the Met Council for the 2020 Water Rebate Program. He stated that a re-cap of the 2019 Water Efficiency Grant Program will be ready to review at the November EQC meeting. Future Meeting November 13, 2019 Adjournment Chair Prokop adjourned the meeting at 8:52 p.m.